The film ”Green Border,” directed by Agnieszka Holland, delves into the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the Belarus-Poland border, which has turned into a hybrid war since 2021. The movie is a gripping drama centered on the plight of refugees caught in the crossfire of political machinations. Holland faced an onslaught of hate and threats for tackling the oppressive actions of Belarusian dictator Lukashenko, yet she stood undeterred in her pursuit of advocacy through cinema. ”Green Border” paints a poignant picture of human suffering and resilience, providing a mosaic of narratives that not only encompass the struggles of those fleeing but also highlight the complexities faced by police and humanitarian workers involved in the crisis.
Kaouther Ben Hania’s ”Four Daughters” is a powerful hybrid film that offers a raw glimpse into the devastating effects of extremism on a family in Tunisia. The story, narrated by a mother named Olfa, showcases the harrowing journey of her two eldest daughters who fall victim to ISIS. Seamlessly blending documentary elements with scripted performances, the film captures the essence of female relationships under the oppressive weight of a patriarchal society. This heart-wrenching exploration of motherhood and sisterhood evokes empathy and challenges perceptions surrounding women’s roles in such treacherous circumstances.
”Sex,” directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, initiates a trilogy exploring passion and identity in contemporary Norway. This minimalist piece revolves around two male chimney sweeps who find themselves sharing intimate and transformative erotic experiences. The narrative is interspersed with musings on desire and self-exploration, as one character divulges a dream of being seen by David Bowie as a woman, while the other recounts his encounters with another man. Haugerud’s work subtly reveals the complexities of modern masculinity and sexuality, pushing boundaries often left unexplored in mainstream narratives.
Ali Abbasi’s ”The Apprentice” offers a provocative glimpse into Donald Trump’s formative years through the lens of his relationship with the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York during an election campaign, the film intertwines Trump’s rise in the financial world with a haunting commentary on moral compromise and ambition. Abbasi’s gripping storytelling invites audiences to reflect on the long-standing political machinations that have shaped America’s leaders, presenting a cautionary tale of the Faustian pacts often made in pursuit of power.
”Flow: The Cat Who Stopped Being Afraid of Water,” an enchanting creation by Gints Zilbalodis, introduces an imaginative world through the eyes of a black cat navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape. As the cat is forced to share a makeshift vessel with a peculiar assembly of animals during a flood, the film explores themes of camaraderie and survival against adversity. With its mesmerizing visuals, captivating score, and minimal dialogue, this animated masterpiece speaks to the universal desire for connection and understanding in a world marked by chaos.
In ”Armand,” directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, tensions rise within a community following a disturbing incident involving two schoolboys. The narrative unfolds during a fraught meeting between parents and school officials, raising poignant questions about truth and accountability. Renate Reinsve’s performance stands out as she navigates a whirlwind of emotions, capturing the essence of grief, confusion, and the stark realities of parenting. This psychological drama seamlessly blends elements of realism and surrealism, creating a visceral experience for viewers that lingers long after the credits roll.
