JEDDAH: The Riveting Films of RSIFF
The category’s movies are ‘films that stay with the viewer long after the fall of the curtain,’ says RSIFF’s Antoine Khalife
‘Agora’
Director: Ala Eddine Slim
Starring: Majd Mastoura, Neji Kanawati, Bilel Slatnia
The Tunisian filmmaker’s third feature, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund, recently won the Pardo Verde Award at the Locarno Film Festival. The film delves into a small town plagued by mysterious events that blur the lines between the living and the dead, sparking the attention of the authorities or those who claim to be.
‘Black Dog’
Director: Guan Hu
Starring: Eddie Peng, Tong Liya, Xin the dog
The winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes Film Festival, ‘Black Dog’ is a poignant tale of redemption set in the Gobi desert during China’s rapid redevelopment phase. Follow Lang, an ex-convict on a quest to capture a rumored rabid dog, only to have his plans altered by a fateful encounter.
‘Santosh’
Director: Sandhya Suri
Starring: Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar, Sanjay Bishnoi
Sandhya Suri’s debut feature ‘Santosh’ has garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of a young widow navigating the corrupt and sexist landscape of law enforcement in northern India. Selected as the UK’s entry for the Oscars, this crime drama is a must-watch.
‘East of Noon’
Director: Hala Elkoussy
Starring: Menha El-Batroui, Ahmed Kamal, Omar Rozeik
Elkoussy’s ‘East of Noon’ has been hailed as “a sumptuous piece of filmmaking” by Screen Daily. This surrealist fable follows Abdo and Nunna, two teenagers fighting against corrupt elders to escape their bleak town and pursue their dreams.
‘Eephus’
Director: Carson Lund
Starring: Keith William Richards, Frederick Wiseman, Cliff Blake
In the heartwarming ‘Eephus,’ a team of middle-aged men faces their final baseball game in a Massachusetts town before their stadium is demolished. Lund’s film offers a unique take on the sports genre, earning praise from Variety.
‘Familiar Touch’
Director: Sarah Friedland
Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Kathleen Chalfant, London Garcia
Friedland’s moving debut ‘Familiar Touch’ captured the Lion of the Future at Venice Film Festival. The film follows Ruth, an octogenarian dealing with cognitive decline as she transitions to assisted living, delivering a powerful performance by Chalfant.
‘Freedom Way’
Director: Afolabi Olalekan
Starring: Adebowale Adedayo, Mike Afolarin, Bimbo Akintola
Olalekan’s thrilling ‘Freedom Way’ depicts the struggles of young entrepreneurs in Lagos amidst corruption and violence. The fast-paced narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters fight to preserve their dreams.
‘The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress’
Director: Jaylan Auf
Starring: Yasmin Raeis, Asmaa Galal, Salwa Mohamed Ali
In this Egyptian social drama, Warda embarks on a frantic search for a wedding dress in Cairo, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. Accompanied by her best friend, Warda’s quest challenges her perceptions of the city and herself.