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San Sebastián 2023 Review: “A Silence”

_{© Les Films du Losange}

In “A Silence”, Belgian writer-director Joachim Lafosse exposes the unsettling truth about abuse that often goes unnoticed in the shadows of societal achievements. The film unearths the disturbing realities that can exist within successful, bourgeois households by peeling back the layers of prosperity and success. Through its nuanced storytelling, Lafosse’s tenth feature film sheds light on cycles of abuse, the line between loyalty and complicity, and the insidiousness of silence, pulling back the curtain on the darker aspects of domestic life.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Mimang”

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Kim Taeyang’s debut film “Mimang” is a beautiful exploration of time and its inevitable impact on the heart of Seoul and its inhabitants. The Korean word “mimang” embodies a complex range of emotions, including being unable to make sense from ignorance, being unable to forget what one wants to forget, and searching far and wide. Through the lens of Kim, these interpretations of “mimang” unfurl in three intertwined chapters, shot over four years, that explore how time, surroundings, and individuals evolve and change over time in the gorgeous city of Seoul.

TIFF 2023 Review: “The Tundra Within Me”

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“The Tundra Within Me” is a captivating drama that explores the themes of identity, heritage, and community through the lens of the rarely depicted Sámi culture. Directed by Norwegian Sámi filmmaker Sara Margrethe Oskal, the movie presents a conventional narrative structure, yet effectively showcases the complexities of its characters. Oskal’s astute direction paints a vivid picture of a community and a way of life seldom seen on screen, offering deep cultural and emotional insights.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Riddle of Fire”

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Weston Razooli’s “Riddle of Fire” is a visual and narrative homage to the storytelling styles of yesteryears, peppered with references to 1980s culture. By weaving a tapestry of fantasy, nostalgia, and nostalgia through fantasy, Razooli embarks on a journey that nods to the storytelling traditions of magical quests and fairytales, providing an engaging backdrop for quests that would normally seem mundane to the adult mind. This coming-of-age film invites audiences, especially those with a soft spot for retro aesthetics, to look into the world of a child’s imagination.

TIFF 2023 Review: “A Road to a Village”

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“A Road to a Village,” directed by Nepalese filmmaker Nabin Subba in his return after six years, offers a multi-layered narrative set against the backdrop of Eastern Nepal’s stunning mountainous landscapes. The narrative centers on Maila, a humble basket weaver, his wife Maile, and their seven-year-old son Bindray. Living a simple, traditional life, the family finds itself at a crossroads when a newly constructed road brings the wider world, along with all its modern resources, to their remote village.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Bye Bye Tiberias”

_{© Frida Marzouk / Beall Productions}

Lina Soualem’s documentary “Bye Bye Tiberias” offers an emotionally charged and complex portrait of her family’s relationship with their Palestinian roots. Using archival footage, family interviews, reenactments, and personal reflection, the film examines the lasting emotional impact of displacement and the occupation on the Palestinian diaspora.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Mambar Pierrette”

_{^©Icarus Films}

Cameroonian-born, Belgium-based director Rosine Mbakam, known for her documentaries, makes a noteworthy venture into fiction with her debut narrative feature “Mambar Pierrette.” The film blends narrative storytelling with documentary-style elements to offer a genuine and authentic portrayal of everyday life in Douala, Cameroon. It avoids clichés and offers a nuanced perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the local community through the eyes of a dressmaker who plays a vital role in her community.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Banel & Adama”

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From the up-and-coming Senegalese director Ramate-Toulaye Sy, known for her 2021 Oscar-qualifying short ‘Astel’ and her remarkable screenplay for the 2019 Rwandan film ‘Our Lady of the Nile,’ comes her debut feature, “Banel & Adama.” Having made its debut in the prestigious competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the film manages to exceed all expectations and establishes Sy as a masterful storyteller. “Banel & Adama” is a searing romantic drama set in a remote Senegalese village, distinguished by its intimate characters and an intricate narrative that deftly tackles issues of tradition, gender, and disruptive climate change.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Valentina or the Serenity”

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Two years after captivating audiences with her debut feature, Angeles Cruz returns with another stunning work set in Oaxaca, Mexico. “Valentina or the Serenity” is a small film that serves as a haunting yet tender exploration of grief observed through the innocent eyes of a child.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Andragogy”

“Andragogy,” directed by Indonesian filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja, immerses the viewer in an exploration of the shifting social dynamics during the digital age, where the boundary between public and private life is increasingly blurred. With much narrative depth and a nuanced point of view, Bhanuteja crafts a thought-provoking and timely work about contemporary controversies and their ability to affect the most vulnerable among us.