A riveting selection of 14 internationally acclaimed films will be on offer at the 11th European Film Festival taking place from October 10 to 20.
Under the theme “Complicated Freedoms”, six of the 14 films will shine a spotlight on the youth.
Eleven of the 14 films shown will be available for free online for public viewing, while all films will enjoy a big screen experience at Ster Kinekor, The Zone, in Johannesburg and The Labia in Cape Town during the festival’s 10-day duration.
Magdalene Reddy, co-director of the festival said that the selection of films around youth loss, love, fears and activism, offers a myriad of perspectives for audiences.
Here’s what cinema-goers can expect.
Directed by Matteo Garrone, the Oscar-nominated Italian film, “lo Capitano” tells the terrifying story of two young boys from Senegal, who set out to fulfil their goal of travelling to Europe.
The movie humanises migration by highlighting the aspirations and bravery of those making such perilous voyages.
Written and directed by rising filmmaker, Leonor Teles, the Portuguese film, “Baan” is a beautifully shot exploration of youth restlessness and self-discovery.
“And inward and outward journeys of discovery and dreams of a better life are dramatically crafted in both ‘Baan’ and ‘Io Capitano’,” shared Reddy.
A moving account of a young girl's emotional transformation while staying with relatives is explored in Colm Bairéad's, “The Quiet Girl”, and a poignant portrait of a young girl's recovery from childhood sexual abuse, exploring identity, friendship, and resilience is examined in Emmanuelle Nicot's, “Love According To Dalva”.
The Danish film “Unruly”, depicts young women battling patriarchal oppression in a 1930s institution, and is a powerful reminder to viewers of the ongoing struggles for women’s emancipation.
Reddy said: “Tough subject matter around abuse, morality, neglect is sensitively and exquisitely rendered in ‘Love According to Dalva’, ‘Unruly’ and ‘The Quiet Girl’.”
Meanwhile, Rich Peppiatt’s, “Kneecap” offers a riotous look at a hip-hop trio from Belfast who, by rapping in their native Irish, become the unexpected voice of a movement to preserve their mother tongue.
She said: “‘Kneecap’ not only celebrates the vibrancy of youth but also encapsulates the current generation's role in defending cultural identity and freedom.
“These films offer delicate and breathtaking insights into issues that affect youth no matter the place.”
Other films in the line-up include “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry”, “Citizen Saint”, “Dying”, “Grey Bees”, “Sweet Dreams”, “The Other Way Around”, “The Peasants” and “The Taste of Things”.
For full details on the festival line-up and booking information, visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za.