Curated by Black Light Film for Mastercard
MOROMETII 3
Stere Gulea
Followed by a Q&A with director Stere Gulea, actress Olimpia Melinte and producers Tudor Giurgiu and Oana Giurgiu
Winner Vodafone Heart Award, Transilvania International Film Festival (most popular romanian film in the festival)
“a poignant reflection on Romania’s historical transformation, from communism to post-communism” Adevăru
“Stere Gulea’s direction, brillantly succeeds to interweave intimate family moments with broader cultural reflections” filme-carti.ro
“visually stunning and emotionally profound” Ziarul Metropolis
“Moromeții 3 shows us the beginning of a life that ended 35 years ago, but whose echoes can still be heard, at varying intensities: the restriction of press freedom, high taxes on low incomes, censorship in the world of art, abuses by state authorities, patriarchal values. The plot of Moromeții 3 centers around the discovery of the manuscript of the Moromeții novel by Aurora Cornu, the first wife of Marin Preda. She encourages the young Preda to publish it, marking a pivotal moment in the writer’s career. This moment also serves as the symbolic end of the trilogy that has been closely tied to the successes and struggles of Romanian literature and cinema over the past 40 years: the script and direction are signed by Stere Gulea, and the impeccable aesthetic vision seen through the lens of cinematographer Vivi Drăgan Vasile.”
The year 1954 confronts Niculae Moromete with difficult choices. His tumultuous love affair with Vera, a married woman, comes to a head when Niculae can’t bear the thought of sharing her and Vera can’t make up her mind. Shaken in his own political convictions, Niculae is also faced with a lack of trust in the literary guild, increasingly influenced by the ideological shifts of the time. In the midst of this chaos, a young poetess, Aurora, insinuates herself into his life and ingenuously offers him a way out of his professional and personal dilemmas, inspiring him to publish the novel “Moromeții”.
(Romania, 2024, 110’, Drama) Dir.: Stere Gulea / Cast: Iulian Postelnicu, Laurentiu Bãnescu, Olimpia Melinte, Aida Economu, Răzvan Vasilescu, Toma Cuzin, Horatiu Malaele, Mara Bugarin, Gabriel Radu
IT’S OKAY!
Kim Hye-young
Followed by a Q&A with director Kim Hye-young and producerl Won Seok Song
Berlin International Film Festival 2024 Crystal Bear winner (Gen K+)
“IT’S OKAY! epitomizes that the only way is up” – The Geek Review
“Brilliant dance and drumming sequences light up this unique, irresistible story of bravery and resilience” – Irish Film Institute
“It’s Okay! offers an optimistic story to accompany a sweet and delicate cinematography” – Cinemagavia.es
“It’s the kind of ‘it’s okay’ that people use when things are anything but okay. And as we’ve learned over the last several years, it’s okay to not be okay – but that doesn’t make it easier to navigate or fit in. But having a positive outlook certainly helps as evident in the movie IT’S OKAY!. (…) From neighbours and classmates to the director herself, the orphaned In-young builds her fanbase and continues to work toward finding her stability. With an outlook (and starting point) like hers, IT’S OKAY! epitomizes that the only way is up.”- The Review Geek
“IT’S OKAY! tells the story of hard-working dreamers. The relationships they hold dear, the things they’re lacking in life, and the ultimate growth they experience. My hope is that anyone currently grappling with and persisting through challenges in life can find moments of resonance and comfort in this film.” – Director Kim Hye-young
One year after the tragic loss of her mother, In-young finds herself without a home and takes refuge in the dance studio of her arts company. Her secret sanctuary is soon threatened when the head choreographer, Seol-ah, discovers her hiding there.
(South Korea, 2023, 102’, Drama, 괜찮아 괜찮아 괜찮아!) Dir.: Kim Hye-young; Scr. CHO Hong-jun, KIM Hye-young; Dop: LEE Seok-min; Ed: LEE Gang-hee; Mus: KIM Jun-seok; Des: KIM Seung-kyung; Cos: YANG Jin-sun; Prod: SONG Won-seok (Twomen Film) / Cast: Lee Re, Jin Seo-yeon, Chung Su-bin, Sim Yi-young, Lee Jung-ha, Jang Yi-jung, Kim Hae-sook, Son Suk-ku
SOULEYMANE’S STORY
Boris Lojkine
Cannes Film Festival 2024
Winner Jury Prize and Best Actor, Un Certain Regard
“Non-professional Sangare is magnetic throughout” – Screen Daily
“a thrilling, moving and edifying humanist film” – Cineuropa
“an amazing central performance that feels worthy of his Cannes win” – Letterboxd
“A realistic and very humanistic look at one immigrant’s gruelling daily life in Paris” The Hollywood Reporter
“I kept thinking about these cycled messengers, so I wondered: what if I filmed Paris as a foreign city whose codes we don’t know, where each policeman is a threat, where the inhabitants are hostile, scornful, distant? From the suburban housing projects to the Haussman-style buildings in the center, from McDonald’s restaurants to office blocks, from shelters to suburban train cars, I filmed my own city, sometimes a stone’s throw away from my place, but from a radically different angle. In the film, “the other” is us: the worker who orders a burger, the passer-by who’s been bumped into and who curses on food deliverers, the civil servant standing in front of Souleymane.” -Director Boris Lojkine
As he pedals through the streets of Paris to deliver meals, Souleymane repeats his story. In two days, he has to go through his asylum application interview, the key to obtaining papers. But Souleymane is not ready.
(France, 2024, 95’, Drama, L’histoire de Souleyman) Dir.: Boris Lojkine / Cast: Abou, Nina Meurisse, Alpha Oumar Sow, Emmanuel Yovanie, Younoussa Diallo, Ghislain Mahan
SANTOSH
Sandhya Suri
Cannes Film Festival 2024, Un Certain Regard selection United Kingdom entry for best international film, Oscars 2025
“the movie speaks the language of a fiercely feminist empowerment ” – Variety”
assured sense of direction coupled with controlled performances make a compelling drama” – HR
“A propulsive neo-noir that holds up a mirror to contemporary India” – Screendaily
“It’s incredibly effective and culminates in one of the best closing shots of any film to show at this year’s festival” – The Wrap
“I was in India, working with various non-governmental organisations, and came across an image of female protestors, following the Nirbhaya case in 2012. There was an image of a huge crowd of angry female protestors, faces contorted with rage, and a line of female police officers, forcing them back. One of these police officers had such an enigmatic expression. I became fascinated with her. What separates her from those protesting, and what power does her uniform wield over those without it? Learning of the government scheme of ‘appointment on compassionate grounds’, meaning that eligible dependents of deceased police officers can inherit their jobs, I spoke to many widows, which provided valuable insight into what these women went through. Some of these women had lived very sheltered lives, rarely leaving the house without their husband. I was struck by the journey from housewife to widow, to policewoman. It was a journey that I wanted to write about, and one that I wanted to watch.’ – Director Sandhya Suri
A government scheme sees newly widowed Santosh inherit her husband’s job as a police constable in the rural badlands of Northern India. When a low-caste girl is found raped and murdered, she is pulled into the investigation under the wing of charismatic feminist inspector Sharma.
UK/Germany, 2024, 120’, Drama) Dir.: Sandhya Suri / Cast: Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar, Naval Shukla, Sanjay Bishnoi, Arbaaz Khan, Shashi Beniwal / Prod.: Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, Alan McAlex,
MEMORIES OF A BURNING BODY
Antonella Sudasassi Furniss
Followed by a Q&A with actress Sol Carballo and producer Manrique Cortés
Berlin Film Festival 2024,
Winner Panorama Audience Award
“Intelligent, resilient and incredibly sincere, the voices inhabiting this film show us that it’s never too late to reinvent ourselves and to finally take back control of our destiny” – Cineuropa
“a heartfelt exploration of female sexuality in older age” – Screen Daily
“I carry the weight of being the daughter of warriors, of strong and brave women, but also of abused and ill-loved women. I am a daughter of the patriarchy and a granddaughter of rape, the most silenced sin of all. I never dared to ask my grandmothers if my grandparents raped them, if they could decide, if they could enjoy their bodies, their sexualities. It was simply the cross that they had to carry. A cross that they did not ask for, but that was imposed on them as children. A cross that weighs, that hinders. Until they said enough.” Antonella Sudasassi Furniss
Ana, Patricia and Mayela grew up in Costa Rica when sexuality was taboo. Their voices are embodied by a single 65-year-old protagonist who revisits intertwined memories, secrets and desires, giving voice to unspoken past experiences.
(Costa Rica/Spain, 2024, 90’, Drama, Memorias de un cuerpo que arde) Dir.: Antonella Sudasassi Furniss / Cast: Sol Carballo, Paulina Bernini Víquez, Juliana Filloy, Liliana Biamonte, Juan Luis Araya, Gabriel Araya, Leonardo Perucci, Cecilia Garcia Perez
VITTORIA
Alessandro Cassigoli, Casey Kauffman
Followed by a Q&A with actors Gennaro Scarica and Marilena Amato
Venice International Film Festival 2024, Orizzonti Extra
FEDIC Award and Arca Cinema Giovani Awards (best italian film)
“scripted with admirable efficiency, one in which single scenes speak volumes” – Screendaily
“an extraordinary portrayal of a family’s journey through the emotionally exhausting and bureaucratically complex process of international adoption” Cineuropa
“The main structure of the film was clear from the first time Marilena told us her story in detail. We always felt when dealing with a story about something as complex as motherhood – the question of fulfillment in motherhood – sticking to Marilena!s true story was the best way to do it. We did a lot of interviews and spent a lot of time with her to make sure we knew her story inside and out. Even though there are some fictionalized scenes in the film, psychologically we tried to stick as closely as possible to Marilena!s singular story.” – Directors Alessandro Cassigoli, Casey Kauffman
“After shooting the film, I realized that what we had done was much more than I expected. There was something deeply cathartic in reviewing, thinking about, and reliving everything we went through. Something that helped me reflect on what I had experienced, something ultimately very liberating.” – Marilena Amato
Jasmine is 40 and has everything she ever wanted: a devoted husband, three loving sons, and a thriving hair salon just south of Naples. But after her father’s death, she experiences a recurring dream in which a young girl runs into her arms. She decides to follow her dream of a daughter and dives headfirst into the challenging world of international adoption – risking her marriage, her sons’ well-being, and her own moral compass along the way. The entire family is in crisis, until they finally realize that the only way out is together..
(Italia, 2024, 96’, Drama) Dir.: Alessandro Cassigoli, Casey Kauffman / Cast: Marilena Amato, Gennaro Scarica, Vincenzo Scarica, Anna Amato, Nina Lorenza Ciano
BLACK DOG
Guan Hu
Cannes Film Festival 2024,
Winner Best Film, Un Certain Regard
“Both out-of-the-box and oddly captivating” – The Hollywood Reporter
“magnificently shot, moody and moving fable.” – Variety
“nothing short of remarkable” – The Film Stage
“A warmhearted crowd pleaser” – Screendaily
At the start of the 21st century, China’s economic growth and social change were at their peak. Frankly speaking, what took only thirty years in China would have taken over a hundred years in another country or another era. Everyone benefited from this transformation, but in that rapid process of change it was inevitable that some things would get lost or be forgotten, or that the wave of development would impact those who were outpaced by the speed of change. When we get to a once-prosperous but now forgotten town and see a person who was once on his knees but is now trying to stand up on his own two feet again, we observe Lang as he comes across another lonely soul – a fast-running black dog that triggers the animal inside him. Human beings all have an animal side to them, even if it has been supressed for a long time. Lang decides to stand up and run again….-Director Guan Hu
On the edge of the Gobi desert in Northwest China, Lang returns to his hometown after being released from jail. While working for the local dog patrol team to clear the town of stray dogs before the Olympic Games, he strikes up an unlikely connection with a black dog. These two lonely souls embark on a journey together.
(China, 2024, 110’, Drama, Gǒu zhèn) Dir.: Guan Hu / Cast: Eddie Peng, Tong Liya, Jia Zhangke, Zhou You, Zhang Yi, Yuan Hong, Hu Xiaoguang, Wang Yiquan, Niu Ben
MANAS
Marianna Brennand Fortes
Introduced by a video message by director Marianna Brennand
Venice Film Festival 2024, Winner Best Film, Giornate degli Autori
“A film that leaves you stunned – for the story it tells, for how it tells it and for the piercing performances of its actors.” – Cineuropa
“A great debut by a very talented director” – Walter Salles
“It was during a documentary research in the remote villages of the Amazon rainforest that I met women who had endured immense trauma since a tender age, suffering sexual abuse inside their homes while also being sexually exploited at commercial barges with hardly any chance to escape. Unfortunately, most of us women have a story of abuse, be it of sexual, moral, or psychological violence, that has left deep scars and trauma.
The Me Too and other women’s rights movements have encouraged and allowed us to break the silence and expose abusers around the world. But what about these invisible women we do not even know exist? Through “Manas”, I wanna give voice to these women and girls who would never be heard otherwise honoring the stories they shared with me. I see cinema as a compelling vehicle for social and political transformation and hope Manas we’ll be able to mobilize viewers’ empathy breaking the enormous taboo surrounding this difficult reality that affects all of us women.” – Director Marianna Brennand
Thirteen-year-old Marcielle lives on Marajó Island in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Determined to change her destiny, she decides to confront the violent system that governs her family and the women of her community.
(Brazil/Portugal, 2024, 101’, Drama) Dir.: Marianna Brennand Fortes / Cast: Jamilli Correa, Fátima Macedo, Rômulo Braga, Emily Pantoja, Samira Eloá, Enzo Maia, Gabriel Rodrigues
LAST SWIM
Sasha Nathwan
iIntroduced with a video message by director Sasha Nathwani
Berlin Int. Film Festival 2024, Crystal Bear (Gen 14+) Award
“a spirit of candid sincerity and freewheeling energy” – Screendaily
“brimming with young love and strong friendships.” Rotten Tomatoes”a tender, sun-soaked exploration of youthful despondency” – Screen Anarchy
“Nathwani captures the essence of youthful exuberance and the weight of impending adulthood on the crossroads where carelessness ends” – Screen Anarchy
”“LAST SWIM is my cinematic debut, and I was especially interested in exploring contemporary themes of lost youth. It was during the height of the pandemic that Helen Simmons and I were writing the script. The stakes for these teenagers are especially high. This is a film about control, and possession; about how our choices might be very different if our seminal years were inadvertently taken from us. Ziba’s story taps into something both universal and very current today – especially resonating with a youth who, living through difficult times and pondering uncertain futures, have yet to find their paths in an adult and post pandemic society. LAST SWIM is a contemporary coming-of-age story; a film about letting go of adolescent dreams and aspirations, but never forgetting to feel, hope and cling on for dear life, however hard that might be. LAST SWIM captures the energy and vibrancy of being young and embracing living in the moment, while simultaneously tapping into darker feelings lurking below.” – Director Sasha Nathwani
Set over a sweltering Exam results day in London, LAST SWIM follows Ziba, a promising British-Iranian teen, as she leads her friends on an eventful journey across the city, culminating in a once in a lifetime astronomical event. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Ziba struggles to retain her characteristic optimism as she finds herself battling the intrusive fears and secrets she’s been hiding from her friends.
(UK, 2024, 100’, Drama) Dir.: Sasha Nathwani / Cast: Deba Hekmat, Narges Rashidi, Solly McLeod, Jay Lycurgo, Denzel Baidoo, Lydia Flemming, Michelle Greenidge, Davoud Rastgou
SIMON DE LA MONTAÑA
Federico Luis
Followed by a Q&A with director Federico Luis
Cannes Int. Film Festival 2024, Winner Critic’s Week Grand Prize
“Provocative debut weighs what constitutes Disability” – Variety
“subtle, though-provoking piece” – Screendaily
“a masterfully crafted debut that delves into the complexities of coming-of-age within the disabled community with both sensitivity and nuance.” -Film Fest Report
““It’s a movie that seeks to create a perspective on human capability. And tries to challenge common and ordinary ideas about what a person can or can’t do. Is the protagonist really disabled? That’s the question I hope viewers ask themselves, as well as the other characters, but most significantly, himself. Simón’s character is a fantastic construction that gathers concerns, insights, passions, and obsessions around this question.
I like making movies about love. I’m excited to film the desire of people who seem to be erased from the universe of pleasure (and its cinematic representation). I really like looking at alternative forms of affection, those that, without consciousness or plan, are conspiracies that intercept the dominant affective morality and set in motion another kind of love and another kind of madness.” – Director Federico Luis
Seeking change, 21-year-old Simon finds purpose by befriending two disabled children who teach him to embrace life’s joys. Together, they navigate a world not designed for them, inventing their own rules for love and happiness.
(Argentina/Mexico/Uruguay, 2024, 96’, Drama) Dir.: Federico Luis; Scn.: Federico Luis, Tomás Murphy, Agustín Toscano; Dop: Marcos Hastrup; Ed.: Tomás Murphy, Andrés Medina; Art: Nicolás Tavella; Cos.: Paula Ruiz Abalos; Cast: Lorenzo Ferro, Pehuén Pedre, Kiara Supini, Laura Nevole, Agustín Toscano, Camila Hirane