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Venice 2023 Review: “Melk”

_{©EmoWeemhoff/LemmingFilm}

In Stefanie Kolk’s debut feature “Melk,” which premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, emotional resonance emerges not through melodramatic performances or sentimental dialogue but rather through the naturalistic portrayal of the characters and their nuanced relationships. This Dutch entry into the festival serves not only as a profound exploration of grief, womanhood, and life-altering events but also as a keenly observed study of the intricacies of human connection. “Melk” quietly but powerfully delves into the life of Robin, played by Frieda Barnhard, a woman navigating the aftermath of an enormous loss.

Locarno 2023 Review: “Sweet Dreams”

_{©EmoWeemhoff/LemmingFilm}

In Bosnian-Dutch director Ena Sendijarević’s sophomore feature “Sweet Dreams,” an unflinching narrative unfolds, exposing just a fraction of the horrors of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia. The film, which premiered in the International Competition at the 76th Locarno Film Festival, eloquently juggles dark satire and profound tragedy. It boldly presents the evils and terror the Dutch colonizers caused, marking a radical departure from the traditional lenient portrayals in Dutch cinema.

Locarno 2023 Review: “Essential Truths of the Lake”

_{©Epicmedia, Sine Olivia Pilipinas, Films Boutique, Rosa Filmes, Tier Pictures, ARTE France Cinéma.}

Essential Truths of the Lake, the latest work from acclaimed Philippine director Lav Diaz, arrives at the Locarno Film Festival as a fascinating prequel to last year’s When the Waves Are Gone. It is a film of contradiction, complexity, and deep resonance, weaving political commentary, existential pondering, and a grounded police procedural into a textured and innovative work.

Locarno 2023 Review: “Manga D’Terra”

_{©AKKA Films / Basil Da Cunha, 2023}

“Manga D’Terra,” directed by the Swiss-Portuguese filmmaker Basil da Cunha, takes its audience into the heart of a struggle that is both poignant and profoundly moving. It narrates the story of Rosinha, a character played with astounding authenticity by Elina Rosa in her acting debut. Her narrative, set in a strife-torn neighborhood of Portugal, marries social realism with elements of musical genre, culminating in a film that speaks on multiple levels about pain, desperation, dreams, and ultimately, resilience.

Cannes 2023 Review: ´All to Play For´

© Cannes Film Festival

Directed by Cannes newcomer Delphine Deloget, ‘All to Play For’ is a stirring and poignant drama set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard competition. Anchored by an emotionally charged performance from the recent César Award-winner Virginie Efira, the film explores the harsh reality of a single mother striving against societal and systemic obstacles in modern France.

Cannes 2023 Review: ´The Buriti Flower´

© Karô Films, Entre Films

Renée Nader Messora and João Salaviza´s ‘The Buriti Flower’ is an engrossing cinematic experience that had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It weaves a naturalistic narrative around an Indigenous community of the Krahô people in Brazil. While the film occasionally blurs the line between fiction and documentary, it ultimately serves to drive home the poignant realities faced by the Indigenous community and their fight for justice.

Cannes 2023 Review: ´Power Alley´

© See-Through Films

Lillah Halla’s compelling directorial debut, “Power Alley,” packs a strong punch, introducing an innovative queer feminist perspective within the familiar sports drama genre. Premiered at the Semaine de la Critique sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival, this distinctive Brazilian film is headlined by the captivating Domenica Dias, whose electrifying performance strikes a chord with viewers.

Cannes 2023 Review: ´The (Ex)perience of Love´

In the whirlwind world of romantic comedies, Belgian directors Raphaël Balboni and Ann Sirot offer an exuberant and unexpectedly profound portrayal of love and infertility in their latest film, ‘The (Ex)perience of Love’. Premiering at the Semaine de la Critique sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival, the film is a light-hearted, yet thought-provoking cinematic achievement that delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the influence of past loves.

Cannes 2023 Review: “It´s Raining in the House”

Paloma Sermon-Daï’s sophomore film, “It’s Raining in the House,” showcased at Cannes, is a testament to the director’s ability to craft personal narratives that resonate deeply with the viewer. Stepping away from her documentary roots, Sermon-Daï ventures into the realm of fiction with this feature, yet retains an authentic touch of raw and emotional storytelling.

Berlinale 2023 Review: ´Do You Love Me´

A girl abruptly enters adulthood while she sees two worlds collapsing in Ukrainian coming-of-age drama ´Do You Love Me?´