Exploring Undistributed Gems at the 62nd New York Film Festival
The 62nd New York Film Festival is set to kick off this Friday, September 27 at Film at Lincoln Center, showcasing a diverse array of films that may not have secured U.S. distribution yet. While the excitement of highly-anticipated releases is palpable, there is a unique charm in discovering hidden gems that offer a fresh perspective on storytelling. Here, we delve into some of the must-see selections that are still seeking distribution at the time of publishing.
Afternoons of Solitude (Albert Serra)
Albert Serra’s “Afternoons of Solitude” presents a captivating non-fictional portrait of bullfighting star Andrés Roca Rey. Through a series of extended sequences, the film delves into the primal connection between man and animal, capturing the mesmerizing moments of Rey’s time in the ring. With a blend of nervous calm and transfixing beauty, Serra elevates the documentary format into a transcendent experience that goes beyond the standard portrayal of the bullfighting process.
April (Déa Kulumbegashvili)
“Déa Kulumbegashvili’s “April” weaves a tale inspired by fictionalized stories drawn from the director’s hometown in Georgia. The film follows Nina, an OBGYN who faces the repercussions of reporting a newborn’s death due to an unregistered pregnancy. Set against the backdrop of a patriarchal society that stifles female independence, “April” navigates the complexities of gender dynamics and societal constraints with a nuanced approach. Through patient camerawork and evocative storytelling, Kulumbegashvili crafts a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire (Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich)
“Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich’s debut film, “The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire,” sheds light on the overlooked figure of Suzanne Césaire, a poet and intellectual from Martinique. Despite her association with the renowned Aimé Césaire, the film delves deeper into Suzanne’s life, offering a mesmerizing exploration of her legacy. Through hypnotic staging and poised performances, the film invites viewers to contemplate the enigmatic persona of Suzanne Césaire and the complexities of her intellectual contributions.
DIRECT ACTION (Guillaume Cailleau and Ben Russell)
“DIRECT ACTION” delves into the longstanding battle against the construction of a new international airport in northwestern France. The film chronicles the resistance of evicted farmers who reclaim their land and transform it into a self-sufficient community. Through a powerful narrative that highlights the resilience of the ZAD (Zone to Defend), the film captures the spirit of collective living and the ongoing struggle against oppressive forces. Guillaume Cailleau and Ben Russell’s documentary offers a poignant reflection on activism, community, and the relentless pursuit of autonomy.
exergue – on documenta 14 (Dimitris Athiridis)
“Dimitris Athiridis’ fourteen-hour documentary, “exergue – on documenta 14,” provides a comprehensive look at the process of mounting an art exhibition. The film follows documenta 14 artistic director Adam Szymczyk as he navigates questions of financial responsibility, curation, and audience engagement. Through a meticulous exploration of the art world’s inner workings, Athiridis crafts a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of arts, commerce, and cultural production.
Harvest (Athina Rachel Tsangari)
“Athina Rachel Tsangari’s “Harvest” transports viewers to an unnamed village in Britain during the Late Middle Ages, as an old social order comes to an end. Drawing inspiration from Jim Crace’s acclaimed book, the film offers a nuanced exploration of societal transitions and political upheaval. Tsangari’s distinctive blend of allegory and political commentary infuses “Harvest” with a rich tapestry of themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Jimmy (Yashaddai Owens)
“Yashaddai Owens’ “Jimmy” reimagines James Baldwin’s arrival in Paris in 1948, offering a fresh perspective on the author’s formative years. Shot in grainy black-and-white, the film captures the essence of post-war Paris and its influence on Baldwin’s literary journey. With a French New Wave-esque aesthetic and a bold narrative approach, “Jimmy” stands out as a captivating exploration of cultural identity and artistic evolution.
My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow (Julia Loktev)
“Julia Loktev’s “My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow” documents the assault on independent journalism in Russia amidst political turmoil and social unrest. Through an intimate portrayal of a group of friends running Russia’s last independent news channel, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by journalists in an increasingly authoritarian regime. Loktev’s meticulous approach to storytelling captures the essence of resistance and resilience in the face of oppression.
No Other Land (Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor)
“No Other Land” chronicles the friendship between Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, as they navigate the complexities of life near the border. The film offers a poignant reflection on the erasure of Adra’s region in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the relentless struggle for survival and identity in a conflict-ridden landscape. Through a powerful narrative of friendship and activism, the film provides a vital document of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian communities.
Stranger Eyes (Yeo Siew Hua)
“Yeo Siew Hua’s “Stranger Eyes” delves into the intricacies of our modern media landscape, exploring the nuances of surveillance and voyeurism in contemporary society. The film follows the journey of a character caught between the gaze of CCTV cameras and personal perception, highlighting the dichotomy between reality and representation. With a nuanced portrayal of fear and technology, “Stranger Eyes” offers a thought-provoking reflection on the way we perceive and consume images in the digital age.
Suburban Fury (Robinson Devor)
“Robinson Devor’s “Suburban Fury” offers a riveting exploration of the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford by Sara Jane Moore in 1975. Through a fascinating portrait of Moore and her enigmatic persona, the documentary delves into the complexities of history and truth. Devor’s nuanced approach to storytelling captures the elusive nature of historical narratives, inviting viewers to question the reliability of conventional accounts of past events.
TWST / Things We Said Today (Andrei Ujic?)
“Andrei Ujic?’s “TWST / Things We Said Today” captures the cultural shift in New York City during the arrival of the Beatles in 1965. The film incorporates archival footage and sounds of the city to create a vibrant portrayal of a changing era. Through a symphony of anticipation and cultural transformation, Ujic? immerses viewers in the last gasps of a bygone era, capturing the essence of a moment in time that shaped the future of music and popular culture.
As the 62nd New York Film Festival unfolds, these undistributed gems offer a unique perspective on storytelling and cinematic expression. From intimate portraits of historical figures to powerful documentaries on activism and resistance, the festival showcases a diverse array of films that challenge conventional narratives and inspire critical reflection. Explore these hidden treasures and discover the untold stories that await on the big screen.