Tag Archives: Directed by women

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.

Cannes 2023 Review: ´All to Play For´

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´

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´

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.