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 Taeyang, 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 bustling city of Seoul.
Tag Archives: TIFF 2023
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: “Riddle of Fire”
Weston Razooli’s “Riddle of Fire” is a visual and narrative homage to the storytelling styles of yesteryears, peppered with references to 1980s sub-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 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”
“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: “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.
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.
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.
TIFF 2023 Review: “Hajjan”
With “Hajjan,” Egyptian director Abu Bakr Shawky offers a seemingly straightforward and conventional sports narrative about the high-stakes world of camel racing in Saudi Arabia, only to subvert subgenre expectations as the film progresses. Five years after his acclaimed debut at Cannes “Yomeddine,” Shawky delivers another thought-provoking feature film, this time focusing on the way the relationship between a boy and his beloved camel is tested by the society they live in.
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