By Ali Moosavi. A few surprises appeared in the Official Selection program, including TV miniseries, films about the undercover agents in ETA, the Basque separatist group, and the increasing presence and influence of Netflix….” During my fifth visit to SSIFF, a few surprises appeared in the Official Selection program. One […]
“Snapshots” and “Spotlights”: Selections from the 61st Chicago International Film Festival
By Jonathan Monovich. On selections from the Snapshots (works showcasing the diversity of contemporary global cinema), Spotlight (award-winners and critical favorites), and New Directors Competition (U.S. premieres from emerging talents and new voices in international cinema)…. This year marked the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, featuring appearances by some of […]
The Older and Newer: Budapest Classics Film Marathon 2025
By Yun-hua Chen. Showcasing restored films that are over 20 years old, the festival embraces the entire arc of cinematic history….” Now in its eighth year, the Budapest Classics Film Marathon showcases restored films that are over 20 years old. The festival embraces the entire arc of cinematic history—from the […]
Post-Colonial Capitalistic Landscape: Selections from Cannes 2025
By Ali Moosavi. The difficult, tumultuous relationship between Celine and Margueritte is at the core of Love Letters, while Félix Dufour-Laperrière delivers Death Does Not Exist.“ The films in the main competition section of Cannes Film Festival are the ones that get all the limelight and media coverage. Cannes however […]
Global Relations Right Now: Berlin International Film Festival 2025
By Ali Moosavi. Hysteria also has something to say about some people’s preconceived ideas of others of different race and religion, something that is fueling Germany and a few other Western countries now….” The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, like all other major film festivals, has […]
Getting Better with Age: Selections from the 60th Chicago International Film Festival
By Jonathan Monovich. The festival’s centerpiece was Nightbitch (2024), which included the presentation of a visionary award to director Marielle Heller. To close the festival, Chicago native Robert Zemeckis received the founder’s legacy award for his latest film Here (2024).” When October comes around, there is a special feeling in […]
Schrader, Almodóvar, I’m Still Here: 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival
By Ali Moosavi. At my age, receiving such an award may be a sign that you have reached the end of the line and this is an appreciation for going on this journey that I have travelled for 44 years. But I don’t see it that way. I can’t imagine […]
Odd Blends, in Earnest: More Selections from TIFF 2024
By M. Sellers Johnson. Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light imparts a warm, humanist embrace that is as humorous as it is earnest, while Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl offers an odd blend of irreverent comedy and sharp drama….” Late summer in Ontario signals the annual return […]
A Little from Ukraine, More from Spain: Selections from TIFF 2024
By Ali Moosavi. The Ukranian gem U Are the Universe is a prime example of a film where with little budget but bags of creativity and ingenuity a filmmaker can succeed where many mega-budget Hollywood movies have failed.” Though Toronto International Film Festival was only founded in 1976, it has […]
“Rocky Mountain Way”: Selections from the 51st Telluride Film Festival
By Jonathan Monovich. This year marked the 51st iteration of the TFF, featuring diverse minds from around the world, including Americans, Chileans, Germans, and Iranians.” Despite its laidback atmosphere, the Telluride Film Festival (TFF) is very serious for its well-known world premieres, track record for including eventual Oscar nominees in […]