“78 Days,” the debut feature film by Emilija Gašić, premiering at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), is a remarkable Serbian production that delves into the heart of a family’s experience during the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia in 1999. Through an evocative narrative captured in the style of a home video, Gašić brings to the screen a story that intertwines the innocence of youth with the harrowing realities of war, making it a true standout example of found-footage filmmaking.
Tag Archives: Directed by women
Rotterdam 2024 Review: “How to Have Sex”
IFFR Throughout history, a great number of stories have been told through the male gaze. Even when female characters are centered, they’re often shaped by the desires of male artists. As a result, these works predominantly cater to male audiences. Yet, as the contemporary sociopolitical climate increasingly amplifies women’s voices, the cinematic landscape adjusts accordingly.Continue reading “Rotterdam 2024 Review: “How to Have Sex””
Rotterdam 2024 Review: “The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire”
“The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire” by Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich is a profound exploration of the life of a groundbreaking yet often overlooked intellectual figure. The film, lasting a concise 75 minutes, adeptly brings to the forefront Suzanne Césaire’s multifaceted identity as an anti-colonial writer, educator, and feminist, but also a real person with her own inner world. Hunt-Ehrlich’s work is a compelling reclamation of Suzanne’s rightful place in history, which has been obscured by the shadow of her more famous husband, Aimé Césaire.
Leiden 2023 Review: “The Feeling That the Time For Doing Something Has Passed”
“The Feeling That the Time For Doing Something Has Passed” is the hilarious and provocative debut feature film by Joanna Arnow, who wrote, directed, edited, and starred in this unconventional comedy. The film is as uproariously hilarious as it is provocatively transgressive and personal. Arnow stars as Ann, a character who is far removed from your typical rom-com protagonist. Trapped in the monotony of a soul-sucking 9-to-5 job, Ann seeks out a series of BDSM encounters with various men, each promising an escape from the dull throes of corporate life and providing a glimpse into the character’s wildest fantasies.
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: “Valentina or the Serenity”
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.
