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Entertainment|Venice Film Festival
A Silent Witness Breaks the Chains

The Witness (Shahed)

In THE WITNESS, we “witness” the life of Tarlan (Maryam Boubani,) a retired dance instructor whose tranquil existence is shattered when she stumbles upon a gruesome crime implicating a high-ranking official. This startling incident pulls her into the treacherous currents of political machinations and moral dilemmas, propelling a narrative that starkly contrasts her serene past with the dangers she must now navigate. As Tarlan faces off against an oppressive regime, her story delves into profound themes of integrity and personal sacrifice.

The Past and Present Collide

TWST - Things We Said Today

When The Beatles landed in New York City in the summer of 1965, they brought with them more than just their music—they carried a seismic wave of cultural impact that transformed the Big Apple into an epicenter of historical excitement, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. TWST - THINGS WE SAID TODAY captures this monumental moment, offering a dynamic window into the city's vibrant pulse during a truly legendary concert at Shea Stadium.

War's Reality: Normalcy Lost, Resilience Gained

Songs of Slow Burning Earth (Пісні землі, що повільно горить)

In the gripping documentary SONGS OF SLOW BURNING EARTH, director Olha Zhurba captures the incremental decline of normalcy against the stark backdrop of war. The film examines this journey as a profound diary of a nation transitioning from peace to turmoil, merging haunting landscapes with personal narratives to reveal the harsh realities of a country under siege. This journey invites the audience to witness the transformation of the extraordinary into the every day, blurring the lines between a once peaceful past and a chaotic present in a way that resonates.

Father, Son, and the Mountain Between Them

Alpha.

ALPHA. is an intricate tale of family conflict and survival amidst the harsh and hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Alps. At its core, this film is more than merely a story about man versus nature. It’s a deeper examination of the volatile bond between a father and his son. As they navigate the icy slopes and their frosty relationship, the film cuts through the chilly exterior to expose the fiery emotions lurking beneath.

Officer's Crusade Against Crime

Maldoror

In MALDOROR, we plunge into the murky depths of Belgium's criminal underworld through the eyes of Paul Chartier, a young officer brought to life by Anthony Bajon. Directed by Fabrice du Welz, the film examines the chilling echoes of crime, drawing a line through the shadows of the past into the present. As the film progresses, it delves into the tension between institutional failure and personal morality, portrayed through Chartier's dramatic shift from law enforcement to a lone crusader against injustice.

The Power of Silent Moments in Film

Taxi Monamour

TAXI MONAMOUR pulls us into a captivating journey through the lives of Anna (Rosa Palasciano) and Cristi (Yeva Sai), set against a world painted with personal heartache and the chaos of geopolitical conflict. As Anna wrestles with family tensions and self-doubt, she crosses paths with Cristi, a Ukrainian refugee whose world has been shattered by war. Their encounter opens a window into the themes of liberty, resilience, and human connection, showcasing their ability to find common ground amidst adversity.

A Journey of Love, Growth, and Connection

The Ties That Bind Us (L’Attachement)

In the delicate contrast of Carine Tardieu’s L'ATTACHEMENT, viewers are treated to a subtle yet profoundly impactful look at family dynamics that defy conventional boundaries. As Tardieu’s fifth directorial venture, the film captures the unexpected connections that bind individuals from various backgrounds, revealing a mosaic of relationships that redefine the essence of family.

Echoes of the Past: Defending Culture

The Mohican (Le Mohican)

In the sun-drenched expanses of Corsica, France, a drama unfolds as tradition clashes with the tide of modernity. THE MOHICAN offers a fresh take on the classic Western motif, placing Joseph (Alexis Manenti,) a tenacious shepherd, at the heart of a land dispute with unyielding mafia interests. Amidst the intense summer heat, a deadly confrontation propels him into a dangerous escape across the island, marking the beginning of his transformation into a symbol of grassroots resistance.

Breaking the Cycle: a Tale of Hope and Horror

Familia

Set against the early 2000s backdrop of Rome’s crumbling pillars, the film introduces us to Luigi Celeste, otherwise known as Gigi (Francesco Gheghi,) whose journey in FAMILIA develops a deep dive into familial turmoil and societal pressures. Struggling against the dark influence of his abusive father, Franco (Francesco Di Leva,) Gigi’s life is a canvas of deep emotional scars and an ongoing battle for acceptance. This film intricately portrays these dynamics, creating a narrative rich with psychological exploration and complex character interplays.

Love and Independence: a Family's Journey

My Everything (Mon Inséparable)

MON INSÉPARABLE extends the journey of human emotion through the eye of a mother-son duo, where director Anne-Sophie Bailly explores the complex currents of autonomy, dependency, and love. This film charts the journey of Mona (Laure Calamy) as she faces new realities following her son Joël's (Charles Peccia-Galletto) surprising life choices. Joël, embodying the challenges of cognitive disabilities, discovers love and impending fatherhood with Océane (Julie Froger,) shaking the foundations of Mona's world.

Archival Journey Through Israeli-Palestinian History

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958 - 1989

ISRAEL PALESTINE ON SWEDISH TV 1958-1989 reveals an astonishing account of the prolonged conflict between Israel and Palestine (even though some people are under this misunderstanding that this conflict only started in October of 2023.) Director Göran Hugo Olsson essays a 30-year history of media coverage. The series focuses on the Swedish public broadcaster SVT´s perspective and experiences throughout this era, during which massive geopolitical changes occurred. This unique perspective allows each side of this incredibly polarizing, seemingly irresolvable conflict to tell their story fully without bias. This authenticity — which extends to interviews with key figures and archival footage from Yasser Arafat and Abba Eban — gives viewers a solid grounding in the events that helped shape today's Middle East.

Rebirth in the Depths of Despair

Quiet Life

From the landscapes of Sweden to the intimate struggles of a displaced family within a sterile, unknown environment, QUIET LIFE captures the heart-wrenching plight of Sergei (Grigoriy Dobrygin,) Natalia (Chulpan Khamatova) and their children as they seek asylum amidst an unwelcoming bureaucratic onslaught. Directed by Alexandros Avranas, this film offers the audience a stark contrast between the cold arms of bureaucracy and the warmth of family bonds, showcasing a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative.

Journey Beyond Reality

Planet B (Planète B)

Welcome to the future, 2039—a year not defined by flying cars but by its poignant reflection on human resilience and struggle. At the center of this narrative whirlwind is PLANET B, a film whose landscapes mold the emotional and psychological boundaries of its lead, Julia Bombarth (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Director Aude Léa Rapin captured this journey in her second feature film, which delves deep into the crevices of political and personal battlegrounds, with Julia emerging in the bizarre and stress-filled world of PLANET B.