As a seasoned gamer who’s been through countless cinematic adventures, I must say that this lineup for the Red Sea International Film Festival is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be unraveled! From the gritty streets of Lagos to the distant towns of Tunisia, these films promise an immersive journey into diverse worlds and perspectives.
The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has chosen 12 notable films for its Festival Favorites category, drawn from various film festivals around the globe. Among these selected movies are “Santosh,” a U.K. Oscar submission and an Indian police procedural directed by Sandhya Suri, which follows the unusual partnership of two women; and “Black Dog,” a film by Chinese auteur Guan Hu that won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes.
Hailing from the U.S., the film “Familiar Touch,” helmed by director Sarah Friedland, is set to appear. The plot revolves around a character named Ruth who mistakenly believes she’s in a luxurious hotel on a date – with someone who turns out to be her son, at an old age home. Over time, she comes to terms with her new life. This movie made its debut in the Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival.
The Festival Favorites program encompasses two African films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival: “The Legend of the Vagabond: Queen of Lagos,” directed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Atinkpo Elijah, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Mathew Cerf, and “Freedom Way” by Afolabi Olalekan. Both films are based in Lagos, with the former focusing on a struggling mother living in the city’s waterfront communities, while the latter delves into the effects of a novel ride-sharing app on its creators and users.
As a gamer, I’m super excited about this year’s lineup! It truly reflects our dedication to amplifying unique voices and viewpoints during the festival. These movies delve into a variety of authentic, human stories – tackling today’s pressing social matters, portraying intricate relationships, and even questioning the search for purpose amidst a rapidly evolving, complex universe we inhabit.
Antoine Khalife, director of Arab programs and film classics, commented: “The films we’ve chosen as Festival Favorites this year linger in your mind long after the final curtain falls. Each one carries a vital message, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and universal truths. We encourage everyone to join us and immerse yourself in these narratives, gaining insights from different corners of the globe.
Below, you’ll find the complete list of chosen titles for the 2024 Festival Favorites program at the Red Sea International Film Festival:
Film titled AGORA, helmed by Ala Eddine Slim
In a rundown, soon-to-be-demolished Chinese town, an embittered former convict forms a life-changing connection with a homeless canine, all under the direction of Guan Hu.
In a landmark film titled “EAST OF NOON,” directed by Hala Elkoussy, we journey to Egypt, Netherlands, and Qatar. This narrative is a captivating fable that revolves around the character Abdo, a musician yearning for rebellion against his elders. He finds liberation in his artistic expression within a world devoid of temporal constraints.
In a final gathering, the baseball team led by Carson Lund’s direction, hailing from both the United States and France, gathers up for their regular game – a meeting that signifies not just the end of their weekly routine, but also the culmination of a significant period in their lives.
In a Residential Care Home, directed by Sarah Friedland
United States of America (USA)
Upon entering an assisted living facility, Ruth initially believes it’s a luxurious hotel for a romantic rendezvous – the mystery man being none other than her own son. Over time, she comes to terms with her current situation.
On “FREEDOM WAY”, directed by Afolabi Olalekan
Nigeria
The ride-sharing app that Lagos desperately requires is a lifeline for its young engineers and users alike, but they must navigate corruption, police brutality, and extortion in the process.
“The Unavoidable Quest for a Wedding Dress,” directed by Jaylan Auf
The Tale of the Wanderer Queen of Lagos, helmed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Atinkpo Elijah, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Mathew Cerf
In the film titled “Little Jaffna,” directed by Lawrence Valin, we find a French police officer who’s tasked with investigating Tamil criminal groups in Paris. As he delves deeper into his mission, he finds himself questioning which side he truly serves.
A film titled “Quiet Life” directed by Alexandros Avranas, which was co-produced in France, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, and Finland, tells a story about an enigmatic sickness that afflicts the youngest child of refugees whose asylum application in Sweden was denied.
In a film titled “Santosh,” directed by Sandhya Suri, we follow a young and inexperienced female police officer from India who becomes heavily influenced by an experienced female mentor, with production taking place primarily in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
You Are the Universe, directed by Pavlo Ostrikov
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-24 12:55