Additional “Contemporary World Cinema” previews we received in advance
The first 2 are from up and coming new directors
Kala Azar
This Dutch – Greek produced film won a couple of awards at Rotterdam and in Hong Kong. A young couple who are themselves strange and mysterious, live in a 4×4. They travel around somewhere in southern Europe, collecting dead animals from pet owners as well as roadkill they find on their travels. The pet owners are offered a cremation, a certificate and return of the ashes in exchange for a fee. This is only part of the story
A first feature for director Janis Rafa who is a visual video artist, and has exhibited at the Tate amongst other well know galleries. It is certainly an unusual film that may not appeal to animal lovers or the squeamish in a couple of scenes. However, it is fascinating and full of surprises that one cannot elaborate on because they may be spoilers for those wishing to see this film.
The film paces well with little dialogue, but visually tells the story. Certainly a fest movie if you are looking to watch something different!
Mickey on the Road
This film of 2 young Taiwanese woman struggling to make a living in Taiwan is a visually pleasing and well constructed film.
The 2 close friends while quite different in their approach to life and circumstances go on a journey to Guangzhou province in China.; one to find her boyfriend who impregnated her and left; and the other to find her father who abandoned her and her depressed mother. The film also gives the audience a look at the differences between China and Taiwan in many ways. While neither of the two have success in what they find, they do however, return with a better understanding of themselves, and how to move forward.
The director Mian-Mian Lu was nominated for the Asian New Talent award in Shanghai and actress /dancer Ya-Ling Chang nominated for best actress in the Taipei Film Festival.
Thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing film!
Undine
What to say about Undine? This film follows from Christian Petzold’s “Transit” with the same main cast. Two of Germany’s very successful actors Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski who once again provide outstanding performances. This film is quite different from some of his previous work, but with similar traits of Petzold’s direction and detail.
The film is visually stunning and if you have ever been to Berlin you will enjoy the lectures given on the transformation of the city with its early history to modern day Berlin, after the fall of the wall and re-unification. Aside from this architectural history, the film is also a kind of modern day, romantic fairy tale. It’s also very mysterious. The film also has great underwater diving scenes and superb cinematography. It is definitely a big screen movie!
Scroll down the page to watch the trailer
Yellow Sunglasses
A small Indie Film from Ecuador and Brazil (filmed in Ecuador). It was made possible through a CNC Ecuador Film Agency development award. It appears that this is Iván Mora Manzano first full fiction film as a director.
The story of a young overweight lonely student of Philology, Julia, who has recently broken up with her boyfriend and moves to a new city. She is given a chance to work at an educational institution but not in her field in Literature. Depressed and unsure of herself she decides to venture out of her depression and go to a bar where she meets up with a good looking, smooth talking waiter, aspiring to be a writer, and spends the night at his apartment. This encounter leads Julia to change and begin some relationships.
The Ecuadorian actress Alejandra Corman gives a strong performance and the story is engaging. Quite enjoyable!