Tag Archives: Directed by women

VIFF 2023 Review: “The Mother of All Lies”

© Insight Films “The Mother of All Lies” by Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir is a masterfully crafted, intimate, and personal experimental documentary. With a meticulous handmade set and figurines, El Moudir dives deep into her family’s history in the Casablanca neighborhood, seeking to heal past wounds and strengthen family bonds. This in-depth exploration ofContinue reading “VIFF 2023 Review: “The Mother of All Lies””

TIFF 2023 Review: “The Tundra Within Me”

“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: “Bye Bye Tiberias”

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”

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”

From the talented 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: “Not a Word”

“Not a Word,” The latest film from Slovenian-German director Hanna Slak, presents a psychologically profound examination of the troubled dynamic between a mother and her quiet son. Set between Germany and France’s wintery, frigid landscapes, the drama delves into the effects of passion and emotional neglect on its central characters. The story captures how the mother’s professional ambitions lead to a growing distance between parent and child, ultimately impacting the son’s emotional growth. With its jarring narrative, “Not a Word” delivers a stunning commentary on passion, communication, and parenting. It’s a compelling look at a woman torn between her passion and the real-world emotional needs of her child that she’s failing to meet.

Venice 2023 Review: “Heartless”

“Heartless” is the debut feature from the Brazilian director duo Nara Normande and Tião. Prior to this film, they had made three short films, including the critically acclaimed animated short “Guaxama,” which won awards at many film festivals. “Heartless” premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival and is based on the director’s 2014 short of the same name. The film follows a girl from a fishing village, as she prepares to leave for college in the city of Brasilia. During her last few days in the village, she becomes intrigued by a strange girl. While exploring societal constructs, going as far as delving into the origin of toxic masculinity, in addition to a character analysis that shows how such mentalities persist in future generations, the film leaves many other narrative threads underdeveloped, leading to a rather chaotic experience at times.

Venice 2023 Review: “Melk”

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 personal grief and 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”

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.