Father Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) wants to resign. But resignation is not an option: The Pope has just died and the future of the Catholic Church depends on Lawrence. He must convene the College of Cardinals to select the papal successor; the conclave is his duty. The clergy assemble, all doors are sealed, and proceedings are set to begin. But with the arrival of an uninvited guest—the Cardinal of Kabul—Lawrence begins to suspect something is afoot. Based on Robert Harris’ novel, director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)’s drama is a taut tale of power, corruption, betrayal, and a secret that can upend all Christendom. Led by Fiennes’ brilliant embodiment of the world-weary Lawrence, the stellar supporting cast includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Lucian Msamati as rivalrous cardinals and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, the omniscient overseer of the Vatican’s guest chambers.
Expected in person guest.
Thursday October 3, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Rafael 1
Father Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) wants to resign. But resignation is not an option: The Pope has just died and the future of the Catholic Church depends on Lawrence. He must convene the College of Cardinals to select the papal successor; the conclave is his duty. The clergy assemble, all doors are sealed, and proceedings are set to begin. But with the arrival of an uninvited guest—the Cardinal of Kabul—Lawrence begins to suspect something is afoot. Based on Robert Harris’ novel, director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)’s drama is a taut tale of power, corruption, betrayal, and a secret that can upend all Christendom. Led by Fiennes’ brilliant embodiment of the world-weary Lawrence, the stellar supporting cast includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Lucian Msamati as rivalrous cardinals and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, the omniscient overseer of the Vatican’s guest chambers.
Expected in person guest.
Thursday October 3, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Sequoia 1
In his scintillating directorial debut, Lin Jianjie invites us into the home of a middle-class Beijing family, where an alteration to routine disturbs the equilibrium, revealing a microcosm of socio-political intricacies in a post-one-child China. The only son of well-to-do urbanites, Wei befriends Shuo, a mysterious classmate. As the young man’s enigmatic persona leaves a strong impression on Wei and his parents, a bond forms between Shuo and the family. In particular, Wei’s cell biologist father is taken by the boy’s apparently studious nature, so different from his slacker son’s. As the relationship between Shuo and the family deepens, he begins to integrate into their household dynamic in the most precarious of ways. With shades of Joseph Losey’s The Servant and Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, Lin embarks on a microscopic examination of the infiltration of a familial cell within a larger national membrane.
Friday October 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:54pm PDT
Sequoia 2
The eponymous protagonist of this dramatic and moving debut feature yearns to escape the strictures of the repressive environment of ‘90s-era rural Saudi Arabia. Residing with her aunt and younger brother in a small village after a family tragedy, Norah buys contraband magazines from the local store and dreams of returning to the city where she was raised. In a country where printed and drawn images are forbidden, she longs to find some representation of herself. Enter Nader, a tall and quiet man brought to teach at the small school. After her brother wins a class competition and brings home a drawing made by Nader, Norah decides that she will try anything to have her portrait done by this kind and gentle stranger. Winner of a Special Jury Mention in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, the film expertly portrays the rising tensions that swirl around and between these two characters hoping to see and be seen.
Friday October 4, 2024 3:30pm - 5:04pm PDT
Rafael 1
In her latest film, director Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank; Cow, MVFF44) returns to the hardscrabble lives of Brits that established her career. Protagonist Bailey (newcomer Nykiya Adams) is a 12-year-old girl forced into beyond-her-age maturity by ill-equipped parents. Her dad, Bug (Barry Keoghan, Saltburn, MVFF46), is focused on his upcoming wedding while her mom lives in a seedy part of town with an abusive boyfriend. Bailey’s favorite activity is wandering the countryside, filming animals, especially birds, on her phone. When she meets a free spirit in a skirt looking for his parents and coincidentally named Bird (Franz Rogowski; Undine, MVFF43), a bond forms and an adventure begins. Adams shines in the lead role, veering from petulance to empathy with grace, and Arnold deftly develops Bailey’s burgeoning friendship with Bird to explore various tensions within adolescent life, most importantly the guidance and nurturing that folks on the cusp of adulthood need.
Initiative: Mind the Gap Country: UK, US, France, Germany
In the heady days of the 1968 Prague Spring, a group of Czechoslovak Radio journalists risk not just their careers but their lives to distribute independent news amidst national and regional tumult in this thrilling historical drama. Central to the story are two orphaned brothers caught in the struggle for freedom. The elder, Tomáš (Vojtěch Vodochodský), is a radio technician working at the station that is committed to defying the Communist Party’s censorship, overwhelming propaganda, and police harassment. When security forces pressure him to spy for them, Tomáš finds himself in a bind where he has to choose between betraying his colleagues or protecting his teenage sibling. This Karlovy Vary International Film Festival’s Právo Audience Award winner depicts the heroism of ordinary Czechs against the Soviet puppet regime, intertwining personal stories with well-known historical events. Waves is a gripping ode to press freedom and a timely reminder of the dangers of censorship.
Saturday October 5, 2024 1:15pm - 3:26pm PDT
Rafael 2
Disruptive food allergies and terrible rashes debilitate a young woman. When she finds a secluded, nature-bound commune that believes sunlight’s energy can replace food, she believes she’s found her true home ... if she can survive it.
In Latin, “inedia” is the word for fasting. In our contemporary world, it is the name given to a pseudoscience that asserts that people can survive on energy absorbed from sunlight alone with no need for other nourishment. In writer-director Liz Cairns’ fascinating feature debut, the word is also the name of a commune living the theory that adopts a new member, Cora (Amy Forsyth). When her debilitating allergies—which may be psychological—escalate to the point where she’s unable to hold down most food and rashes pepper her body, she’s ripe for Inedia leader Joanna’s (Susanne Wuest) teachings and drawn to the community’s stable family vibe. But Cora begins to sense darkness at the center of Joanna’s “light feeds us” philosophy in a film that begins with a sense of foreboding and continually ratchets up the tension. In secluded, nature-bound Inedia, Cora believes she’s found her true home … if she can survive it.
Expected In Person Guest
Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:48pm PDT
Sequoia 2
In We Live in Time, Florence Pugh (The Wonder, MVFF45) and Andrew Garfield (MVFF Award: Breathe, MVFF40) prove great foils for each other: Their punchy repartee and irresistible connection makes them one of the most memorable of recent cinematic couples. When an accidental encounter brings together up-and-coming, ambitious chef and restaurant owner Almut (Pugh) and recent divorcé (Garfield)—who also happens to be a Weetabix spokesperson—what might seem like an unlikely match evolves into something neither might have imagined for themselves. With humor, warmth, love, romance, and a tad contentiousness, their bonds become deeper with every moment. Moments that range from life-changing (giving birth in a completely unexpected location) to the seemingly mundane (the best way to crack an egg). Director John Crowley’s (Brooklyn, MVFF38) beautifully paced production of Nick Payne’s innovative script spans three distinct chronologies that unfold and inform our understanding of key moments in the couple’s time together. It’s a life-affirming journey that’s both defined by and transcends time.
Saturday October 5, 2024 4:00pm - 5:48pm PDT
Rafael 1
A woman discovers the corpse of her uncle, a man who caused her considerable pain, in this darkly funny portrait of Zambia’s matriarchal society that grippingly explores the younger generation’s desire to break free from the sins of the past.
Death and secrets permeate writer-director Rungano Nyoni’s dazzling second feature, the winner of Best Director in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival. Driving through the night after a party, Shula (Susan Chardy) happens across the corpse of her Uncle Fred. That she’s learned that he’s dead isn’t shocking—that she doesn’t care at all is. A portrait of Zambia’s matriarchal society and the lingering emotional scars left behind by sexual abuse, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl combines dark comedy and bruising drama—absurdism and stripped-down realism—to investigate lies that have smothered Shula’s family for years. The filmmaker of 2017’s equally stellar I Am Not a Witch continues to demonstrate an ability to craft modern parables that grapple with both history and a younger generation’s desire to break free from the sins of the past. Funerals have rarely been so cathartic. —Tim Grierson
Rungano Nyoni
Saturday October 5, 2024 4:30pm - 6:05pm PDT
BAMPFA
Can a radical transformation change one's destiny? Jacques Audiard’s (Dheepan, MVFF36) narco trans musical explores this question with a unique, wonderful blend: crime thriller-meets-exuberant musical, complete with production numbers. Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz star in this story of ruthless cartel boss Manitas Del Monte, who hires lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Saldaña) to manage his sex change to become Emilia Pérez (Gascón) while his family relocates to Switzerland. Awarded Cannes’ best actress jury prize for its ensemble, the film brings women to the forefront of the traditionally male-dominated gangster movie. Audiard enhances the genre's visual and tonal hallmarks with a liberating sense of expression through song and dance, making Emilia Pérez a standout in contemporary cinema with its engaging and compelling narrative and stellar performances. —João Federici
¿Puede una transformación radical cambiar el destino de uno? El musical narco trans de Jacques Audiard (Dheepan, MVFF36) explora esta cuestión con una mezcla única y maravillosa: un thriller fusionado con un exuberante musical, completo con números de producción. Zoé Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gómez y Adriana Paz protagonizan la historia del despiadado jefe de cartel Manitas Del Monte, quien contrata a la abogada Rita Moro Castro (Saldaña) para gestionar su cambio de sexo y convertirse en Emilia Pérez (Gascón) mientras su familia se traslada a Suiza. Galardonada con el premio a la mejor interpretación femenina en Cannes por su excepcional reparto, esta película de gánsteres desafía las convenciones de un género tradicionalmente dominado por hombres al poner a las mujeres en primer plano. Audiard eleva las características visuales y tonales del género, infundiéndolo con un sentido de liberación a través de la canción y el baile. Con "Emilia Pérez", ofrece una narrativa cautivadora y convincente, respaldada por actuaciones estelares que la consolidan como una obra destacada en el cine contemporáneo.
Expected In Person Guest
Saturday October 5, 2024 7:00pm - 9:12pm PDT
Rafael 1
Iranian writer-director Mohammad Rasoulof won the FIPRESCI Prize and a special jury award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for this gripping drama about the paranoia that slowly eats away at one Tehran family. Misagh Zareh stars as Iman, a seemingly honorable man recently promoted to investigating judge, which brings with it a hefty raise and a bigger apartment for him, his wife, and daughters. But he soon realizes he’s made a Faustian bargain—his new job requires him to sign the death warrants of protesters—which angers the women in his family. Meticulously building in tension until it becomes a harrowing thriller, the film is the latest act of defiance from Rasoulof (There Is No Evil), jailed several times by Iranian authorities for his politically outspoken films. (In fact, he fled the country to avoid imprisonment prior to Sacred Fig’s premiere.) The filmmaker’s fury and sorrow suffuse his latest stunner, which brilliantly details how an oppressive regime obliterates the souls of its citizens.
Saturday October 5, 2024 7:00pm - 9:47pm PDT
BAMPFA
Iranian writer-director Mohammad Rasoulof won the FIPRESCI Prize and a special jury award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for this gripping drama about the paranoia that slowly eats away at one Tehran family. Misagh Zareh stars as Iman, a seemingly honorable man recently promoted to investigating judge, which brings with it a hefty raise and a bigger apartment for him, his wife, and daughters. But he soon realizes he’s made a Faustian bargain—his new job requires him to sign the death warrants of protesters—which angers the women in his family. Meticulously building in tension until it becomes a harrowing thriller, the film is the latest act of defiance from Rasoulof (There Is No Evil), jailed several times by Iranian authorities for his politically outspoken films. (In fact, he fled the country to avoid imprisonment prior to Sacred Fig’s premiere.) The filmmaker’s fury and sorrow suffuse his latest stunner, which brilliantly details how an oppressive regime obliterates the souls of its citizens.
Sunday October 6, 2024 12:30pm - 3:17pm PDT
Sequoia 1
In her latest film, director Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank; Cow, MVFF44) returns to the hardscrabble lives of Brits that established her career. Protagonist Bailey (newcomer Nykiya Adams) is a 12-year-old girl forced into beyond-her-age maturity by ill-equipped parents. Her dad, Bug (Barry Keoghan, Saltburn, MVFF46), is focused on his upcoming wedding while her mom lives in a seedy part of town with an abusive boyfriend. Bailey’s favorite activity is wandering the countryside, filming animals, especially birds, on her phone. When she meets a free spirit in a skirt looking for his parents and coincidentally named Bird (Franz Rogowski; Undine, MVFF43), a bond forms and an adventure begins. Adams shines in the lead role, veering from petulance to empathy with grace, and Arnold deftly develops Bailey’s burgeoning friendship with Bird to explore various tensions within adolescent life, most importantly the guidance and nurturing that folks on the cusp of adulthood need.
Initiative: Mind the Gap Country: UK, US, France, Germany
Sunday October 6, 2024 3:00pm - 4:59pm PDT
Lark Theatre
Disruptive food allergies and terrible rashes debilitate a young woman. When she finds a secluded, nature-bound commune that believes sunlight’s energy can replace food, she believes she’s found her true home ... if she can survive it.
In Latin, “inedia” is the word for fasting. In our contemporary world, it is the name given to a pseudoscience that asserts that people can survive on energy absorbed from sunlight alone with no need for other nourishment. In writer-director Liz Cairns’ fascinating feature debut, the word is also the name of a commune living the theory that adopts a new member, Cora (Amy Forsyth). When her debilitating allergies—which may be psychological—escalate to the point where she’s unable to hold down most food and rashes pepper her body, she’s ripe for Inedia leader Joanna’s (Susanne Wuest) teachings and drawn to the community’s stable family vibe. But Cora begins to sense darkness at the center of Joanna’s “light feeds us” philosophy in a film that begins with a sense of foreboding and continually ratchets up the tension. In secluded, nature-bound Inedia, Cora believes she’s found her true home … if she can survive it.
Expected In Person Guest
Sunday October 6, 2024 4:00pm - 5:48pm PDT
Rafael 3
One of the most memorable films of the season, maestro Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film explores territory familiar in his work: the complex personal intimacies of women who find that they have more in common with each other than they realize. When a chance encounter reconnects New York writer Ingrid (Julianne Moore) with former war correspondent Martha (Tilda Swinton), a friend from her past, the two are thrown into a journey both profound and unexpected. As their bond grows stronger, it is beset sometimes by bravery, sometimes panic, and as issues of propriety and legality emerge, they retain a remarkable warmth and compassion. Anchored by two fantastic lead performances (and with wonderful support from John Turturro), this adaptation of a Sigrid Nunez novel is deeply touching. Visually striking, and with an atmospheric score by frequent collaborator Alberto Iglesias, Almodóvar and his terrific cast deliver a generous supply of laughter, tears, thoughtfulness—and surprise.
Sunday October 6, 2024 4:15pm - 6:05pm PDT
Sequoia 1
Iris (Isabelle Huppert) is a woman abroad in Seoul, teaching French and English in an idiosyncratic fashion. Linguistic collisions are Hong’s stock in trade and the revelations that unfold over conversations in artificially constructed circumstances are a delight to behold.
Isabelle Huppert is Iris, a woman abroad in Seoul, teaching French and English in an idiosyncratic fashion that allows her to pursue her own philosophical and personal interests. Through four encounters over a single day, Iris probes students and strangers for information about poetry, their own histories, and their relationship to their egos. Director Hong Sang-Soo’s delight in repetition is in play as Iris’s pedagogical catechism takes almost the same form in the first two sequences but deepens when she takes her tutelage outdoors with a married couple and visits a younger man with whom she shares an apartment. Huppert, in her third collaboration with Hong, is puckish and sprightly as the open-eyed and questioning Iris, supported by an impeccable group of performers whom her character knocks up against. Linguistic collisions are Hong’s stock in trade and the revelations that happen here as people converse in artificially constructed circumstances are a delight to behold.
A woman (a dazzling Nisrin Erradi) pursues her dream of becoming a singer of traditional Aita with the same fierceness as the Bedouins who came before her, facing her modern-day obstacles with an exuberance equaled by her songs.
Nisrin Erradi dazzles as the charismatic Touda, a single mother determined to earn her living as a singer of Bedouin Aita, poetry defiantly written by women at a time when they were forbidden a voice. The challenges of her particular ambition are excruciatingly clear from the start when men, who see her only as a commodity they might purchase for cheap or take for free, sour her joy in performing. The camera moves in close as she persists, overcoming obstacles subtle and overt, not only for herself but also to give her deaf son a better life. Co-written by director Nabil Ayouch (Much Loved) and Maryam Touzani (The Blue Caftan, MVFF45), it is the latest powerful work from the longtime collaborators, whose work is always empathetic to women facing worlds hostile to their desires. In Everybody Loves Touda, they avoid sentimentality while suffusing their drama with an exuberance and complexity equaled by Touda’s songs.
Sunday October 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:42pm PDT
Lark Theatre
A carefree teen must care for his sister and win a cheese-making competition to secure their future in this heartwarming, funny, and uplifting coming-of-age tale that captures the essence of family and friendship.
In Louise Courvoisier's feature film debut, a teenager’s carefree days of drinking beers and partying in the idyllic French countryside are interrupted when he must care for his 7-year-old sister and find a way to support the two of them. His solution? To craft the best Comté cheese and win 30,000 euros, along with a prestigious gold medal, at an agricultural competition. Holy Cow is a sweet and uplifting coming-of-age story, capturing the essence of friendship, first love, and the struggles of growing up without parents. Courvoisier's masterful simplicity and authenticity bring a refreshing comedic touch to themes often steeped in drama. The film delves into youth culture, employment challenges, and the cherished traditions of cheese-making, all while highlighting the importance of family, friendship, and love. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, this winner of the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes is a perfect film to enchant all audiences.
Sunday October 6, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT
Sequoia 1
Can a radical transformation change one's destiny? Jacques Audiard’s (Dheepan, MVFF36) narco trans musical explores this question with a unique, wonderful blend: crime thriller-meets-exuberant musical, complete with production numbers. Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz star in this story of ruthless cartel boss Manitas Del Monte, who hires lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Saldaña) to manage his sex change to become Emilia Pérez (Gascón) while his family relocates to Switzerland. Awarded Cannes’ best actress jury prize for its ensemble, the film brings women to the forefront of the traditionally male-dominated gangster movie. Audiard enhances the genre's visual and tonal hallmarks with a liberating sense of expression through song and dance, making Emilia Pérez a standout in contemporary cinema with its engaging and compelling narrative and stellar performances. —João Federici
¿Puede una transformación radical cambiar el destino de uno? El musical narco trans de Jacques Audiard (Dheepan, MVFF36) explora esta cuestión con una mezcla única y maravillosa: un thriller fusionado con un exuberante musical, completo con números de producción. Zoé Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gómez y Adriana Paz protagonizan la historia del despiadado jefe de cartel Manitas Del Monte, quien contrata a la abogada Rita Moro Castro (Saldaña) para gestionar su cambio de sexo y convertirse en Emilia Pérez (Gascón) mientras su familia se traslada a Suiza. Galardonada con el premio a la mejor interpretación femenina en Cannes por su excepcional reparto, esta película de gánsteres desafía las convenciones de un género tradicionalmente dominado por hombres al poner a las mujeres en primer plano. Audiard eleva las características visuales y tonales del género, infundiéndolo con un sentido de liberación a través de la canción y el baile. Con "Emilia Pérez", ofrece una narrativa cautivadora y convincente, respaldada por actuaciones estelares que la consolidan como una obra destacada en el cine contemporáneo.
Expected In Person Guest
Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 5:57pm PDT
Sequoia 1
One of the most memorable films of the season, maestro Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film explores territory familiar in his work: the complex personal intimacies of women who find that they have more in common with each other than they realize. When a chance encounter reconnects New York writer Ingrid (Julianne Moore) with former war correspondent Martha (Tilda Swinton), a friend from her past, the two are thrown into a journey both profound and unexpected. As their bond grows stronger, it is beset sometimes by bravery, sometimes panic, and as issues of propriety and legality emerge, they retain a remarkable warmth and compassion. Anchored by two fantastic lead performances (and with wonderful support from John Turturro), this adaptation of a Sigrid Nunez novel is deeply touching. Visually striking, and with an atmospheric score by frequent collaborator Alberto Iglesias, Almodóvar and his terrific cast deliver a generous supply of laughter, tears, thoughtfulness—and surprise.
Monday October 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:50pm PDT
Rafael 1
Nearly 30 years after Secrets & Lies, British auteur Mike Leigh reunites with Marianne Jean-Baptiste for this compelling drama. The actress delivers an indelible tour de force performance as an angry woman who takes out her frustrations on her family.
A director reunites with a muse and the results are spectacular. Nearly 30 years ago British auteur Mike Leigh cast Marianne Jean-Baptiste in Secrets & Lies (MVFF19’s opening night film), a collaboration that netted five Oscar® nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Jean-Baptiste. History may just strike twice with this riveting intimate drama. Jean-Baptiste is Pansy, an antagonizing (and always antagonized) woman who hits out at everyone in her orbit. She is simply angry and aggrieved. All the time. It is an exhausting situation for husband Curtley (David Webber), son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett), sister Chantal (Michele Austin), and anyone Pansy encounters but for the audience, it is gripping. Jean-Baptiste delivers a tour de force as this bitter, challenging ball of rage. Like Naked’s Johnny, Pansy is dark and damaged and always compelling, an indelible character.
Monday October 7, 2024 7:30pm - 9:07pm PDT
Rafael 1
Wild Diamond explores the relentless pursuit of fame through the eyes of Liane, a fiery 19-year-old. Living with a dysfunctional mother and caring for her younger sister in the sun-drenched town of Fréjus, Liane is determined to escape grim reality. Her weapon of choice? Beauty. With a fierce resolve and harboring the belief that desirability equals power, she shapes herself to become irresistible. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she auditions for Miracle Island, a reality show she sees as her ticket to validation and love. Shot in an immersive 4:3 aspect ratio, the film draws you into Liane’s world, capturing the intensity of her gaze and the desperation behind her Instagram-perfect facade. Agathe Riedinger’s empathetic direction in her feature debut reveals the raw, often painful, reality of a young woman caught between the harshness of life and the seductive allure of superficial success. Wild Diamond is a gripping exploration of identity, self-worth, and the cost of being seen.
Monday October 7, 2024 8:00pm - 9:43pm PDT
Rafael 2
In Andrés Baiz’s drama, a young smuggler's world unravels amidst a deadly rivalry on the Colombia-Venezuela border. With gripping performances and stunning visuals, this electrifying thriller explores betrayal, greed, and survival in a lawless land.
With intense action, raw emotion, and stunning visuals, Pimpinero: Blood and Oil captures the collision of moral, ethical, and human boundaries in a lawless land where only the ruthless thrive. Directed by Andrés Baiz, the visionary behind global hits like Narcos and Griselda, this electrifying thriller plunges us into the dangerous world of gasoline smugglers known as “pimpineros,” who toil their trade along the volatile Colombia-Venezuela border. Set in the early 2010s, against a sun-scorched desert, the film follows Juan (Alejandro Speitzer), the youngest of three brothers entwined in this treacherous business, as a deadly rivalry threatens to unravel his family and everything they hold dear—including his love for the fiery Diana (rising star Laura Osma), his partner in everything. Colombian music legend Juanes, Alberto Guerra, and Osma deliver gripping performances as the stakes rise for Juan and his kin, bringing to life a tale of betrayal, greed, and survival.
Con acción intensa, emoción cruda y efectos visuales impresionantes, “Pimpinero: Sangre y Gasolina” captura el conflicto de límites morales, éticos y humanos en una tierra sin ley donde sólo los despiadados prosperan. Dirigida por Andrés Baiz, el autor visionario detrás de éxitos globales como Narcos y Griselda, este electrizante thriller nos sumerge en el peligroso mundo de los contrabandistas de gasolina conocidos como “pimpineros”, que hacen negocio a lo largo de la volátil frontera entre Colombia y Venezuela. Ambientada a principios de la década de 2010, en un desierto abrasado por el sol, la película sigue a Juan (Alejandro Speitzer), el menor de tres hermanos enredados en este traicionero negocio, mientras una rivalidad mortal amenaza con destruir a su familia y todo lo que aprecian, incluido su amor por la impulsiva Diana (la futura estrella Laura Osma), quien es su socia en todo. La leyenda de la música colombiana Juanes, junto con Alberto Guerra y Osma, ofrecen actuaciones apasionantes a medida que aumentan los riesgos para Juan y sus familiares, dando vida a un relato de traición, codicia y supervivencia.
Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:00pm - 5:12pm PDT
Sequoia 1
A woman (a dazzling Nisrin Erradi) pursues her dream of becoming a singer of traditional Aita with the same fierceness as the Bedouins who came before her, facing her modern-day obstacles with an exuberance equaled by her songs.
Nisrin Erradi dazzles as the charismatic Touda, a single mother determined to earn her living as a singer of Bedouin Aita, poetry defiantly written by women at a time when they were forbidden a voice. The challenges of her particular ambition are excruciatingly clear from the start when men, who see her only as a commodity they might purchase for cheap or take for free, sour her joy in performing. The camera moves in close as she persists, overcoming obstacles subtle and overt, not only for herself but also to give her deaf son a better life. Co-written by director Nabil Ayouch (Much Loved) and Maryam Touzani (The Blue Caftan, MVFF45), it is the latest powerful work from the longtime collaborators, whose work is always empathetic to women facing worlds hostile to their desires. In Everybody Loves Touda, they avoid sentimentality while suffusing their drama with an exuberance and complexity equaled by Touda’s songs.
Tuesday October 8, 2024 4:00pm - 5:42pm PDT
Sequoia 2
In the heady days of the 1968 Prague Spring, a group of Czechoslovak Radio journalists risk not just their careers but their lives to distribute independent news amidst national and regional tumult in this thrilling historical drama. Central to the story are two orphaned brothers caught in the struggle for freedom. The elder, Tomáš (Vojtěch Vodochodský), is a radio technician working at the station that is committed to defying the Communist Party’s censorship, overwhelming propaganda, and police harassment. When security forces pressure him to spy for them, Tomáš finds himself in a bind where he has to choose between betraying his colleagues or protecting his teenage sibling. This Karlovy Vary International Film Festival’s Právo Audience Award winner depicts the heroism of ordinary Czechs against the Soviet puppet regime, intertwining personal stories with well-known historical events. Waves is a gripping ode to press freedom and a timely reminder of the dangers of censorship.
Tuesday October 8, 2024 4:30pm - 6:41pm PDT
Rafael 1
This richly enjoyable mid-1960s period piece finds a Lima socialite at loose ends after her unfaithful husband’s departure. But she discovers more inner resources than anyone expects, forging a surprising new path of independence and culinary invention.
The Paris-born trophy wife of a Peruvian politician, Norma (Barbara Mori) finds her station in the highest echelons of mid-1960s Lima society falling apart when he leaves her for a younger woman. It’s a public scandal duly noted by both hypocritical friends and hungry creditors. Once the initial rage and helplessness burn off, however, survival instincts emerge from beneath Norma’s Liz Taylor-esque veneer of pampered glamour. Chauffeur Oscar (jazz percussionist Pudy Ballumbrosio in his acting debut), a man whose own talents have been constricted by race and class, suggests she revive a long-dormant dream to open an upscale restaurant. Writer-director Ricardo de Montreuil’s astute drama blends the sensory joys of a foodie movie with the psychological lift of seeing characters join forces to cast off limitations they thought were their lot in life. It’s a forward-looking flashback set in an era of rapid change.
Norma (Barbara Mori), la esposa trofeo de un político peruano nacida en París, encuentra su posición en los niveles más altos de la sociedad limeña de mediados de la década de 1960 pero se le viene todo abajo cuando él la deja por una mujer más joven. Es un escándalo público, debidamente observado por amigos hipócritas y acreedores hambrientos. Sin embargo, una vez que la rabia y el desamparo iniciales desaparecen, el instinto de supervivencia emerge detrás de la capa de glamour al estilo Liz Taylor que tiene Norma. Oscar, el chófer (el percusionista de jazz Pudy Ballumbrosio en su debut como actor), un hombre cuyos propios talentos han sido restringidos por su raza y clase social, le sugiere que reviva el sueño que ella ha tenido por mucho tiempo de abrir un restaurante de lujo. El drama del guionista y director Ricardo de Montreuil combina los placeres sensoriales de una película gastronómica con la emoción psicológica de ver a los personajes unir fuerzas para liberarse de las limitaciones que creían ser su destino en la vida. Es un flashback con visión de futuro ambientado en una era de cambios rápidos.
Expected In Person Guest
Tuesday October 8, 2024 6:15pm - 7:50pm PDT
Sequoia 1
This richly enjoyable mid-1960s period piece finds a Lima socialite at loose ends after her unfaithful husband’s departure. But she discovers more inner resources than anyone expects, forging a surprising new path of independence and culinary invention.
The Paris-born trophy wife of a Peruvian politician, Norma (Barbara Mori) finds her station in the highest echelons of mid-1960s Lima society falling apart when he leaves her for a younger woman. It’s a public scandal duly noted by both hypocritical friends and hungry creditors. Once the initial rage and helplessness burn off, however, survival instincts emerge from beneath Norma’s Liz Taylor-esque veneer of pampered glamour. Chauffeur Oscar (jazz percussionist Pudy Ballumbrosio in his acting debut), a man whose own talents have been constricted by race and class, suggests she revive a long-dormant dream to open an upscale restaurant. Writer-director Ricardo de Montreuil’s astute drama blends the sensory joys of a foodie movie with the psychological lift of seeing characters join forces to cast off limitations they thought were their lot in life. It’s a forward-looking flashback set in an era of rapid change.
Norma (Barbara Mori), la esposa trofeo de un político peruano nacida en París, encuentra su posición en los niveles más altos de la sociedad limeña de mediados de la década de 1960 pero se le viene todo abajo cuando él la deja por una mujer más joven. Es un escándalo público, debidamente observado por amigos hipócritas y acreedores hambrientos. Sin embargo, una vez que la rabia y el desamparo iniciales desaparecen, el instinto de supervivencia emerge detrás de la capa de glamour al estilo Liz Taylor que tiene Norma. Oscar, el chófer (el percusionista de jazz Pudy Ballumbrosio en su debut como actor), un hombre cuyos propios talentos han sido restringidos por su raza y clase social, le sugiere que reviva el sueño que ella ha tenido por mucho tiempo de abrir un restaurante de lujo. El drama del guionista y director Ricardo de Montreuil combina los placeres sensoriales de una película gastronómica con la emoción psicológica de ver a los personajes unir fuerzas para liberarse de las limitaciones que creían ser su destino en la vida. Es un flashback con visión de futuro ambientado en una era de cambios rápidos.
Expected In Person Guest
Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:35pm PDT
Rafael 2
Transporting us to the dives and roach motels of 1950s Mexico City with a palpable sensuousness and eroticism, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name, MVFF40) may be the ideal interpreter of Beat legend William S. Burroughs’s novel. Daniel Craig (Glass Onion, MVFF45 Opening Night) is magnificent as William Lee, a queer American ex-pat and writer in his late 40s (and Burroughs’ autobiographical alter ego). Leading a solitary, seedy life, Lee’s days and (mostly) nights are spent drinking, drugging, and on the prowl for pickups. His hedonistic haze is aided and abetted by his friend Joe—an Allen Ginsburg-ian character played by an almost unrecognizable Jason Schwartzman (The French Dispatch, MVFF44 Closing Night). But the arrival in town of Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey, The Hate U Give, MVFF41), a handsome bi-curious student from Oklahoma stirs William into an intoxication more romantic, finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone as his hallucinogenic journey becomes steeped in desire.
Wednesday October 9, 2024 5:00pm - 7:15pm PDT
Sequoia 1
Middle-aged widow Rosa lives a quiet life dominated by the ghosts of her long ago marriage. As she makes a new life for herself, jarring revelations force her to face facts about her past and who she is today.
Amidst a suburban existence, a woman struggles with the ghosts of her troubled marriage in this quiet but emotional and full-bodied indie. Rosa is a middle-aged widow living on her own with her beloved dog Coquita but still in thrall to her former life. The story starts quietly, in an unassuming way that mirrors Rosa herself—except there is turbulence deep below the surface. Her incarcerated son Sergio refuses her visits, while her daughter-in-law Alejandra won’t see her or allow her near her grandson Sebas. Rosa’s life receives an unexpected spark when a friend introduces her to the world of tango, igniting a passion she shares with recent acquaintance Juan. Along the way, there are fissures that hint at truths Rosa has buried deep. And as so often with life, things flip. Rosa receives jarring revelations about the people around her but, ultimately, the biggest surprise is what she learns about herself.
En medio de una vida suburbana, una mujer enfrenta los fantasmas de un matrimonio problemático en esta sutil pero profunda película independiente cargada de significado emocional. Rosa es una viuda de mediana edad que vive sola con su amada perra Coquita, pero todavía es esclava de su vida anterior. La historia comienza de una manera modesta, como la propia Rosa, pero hay turbulencias muy por debajo de la superficie. Sergio, su hijo encarcelado, rechaza sus visitas, y su nuera, Alejandra, no la ve ni le permite acercarse a su nieto Sebas. La vida de Rosa cambia inesperadamente cuando una amiga la introduce al mundo del tango, encendiendo una pasión que comparte con un recién conocido, Juan. Con el tiempo, se hace evidente que hay verdades que Rosa ha enterrado profundamente. Y, como tantas veces ocurre en la vida, todo cambia. Rosa hace un descubrimiento estremecedor sobre las personas que la rodean, pero, en última instancia, la mayor sorpresa es lo que aprende sobre sí misma.
Expected In Person Guest
Wednesday October 9, 2024 7:00pm - 8:46pm PDT
Rafael 2
Two boys, their parents, and staff struggle for redemption after a mysterious incident at school in this drama that unveils secrets with chilling precision. A gripping exploration of parenthood, perception, and the unknown.
When six-year-old Armand is accused of crossing boundaries with his best friend Jon at school, it sets off a chain of events that drags parents and school staff into a gripping battle for redemption. Winner of this year's Caméra d'Or at Cannes, Norwegian writer-director Halfdan Ullmann Tondel, grandson of Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann, masterfully constructs a narrative that slowly unveils its secrets as the incident remains shrouded in mystery. No one truly knows what happened between the boys, and as perceptions shift, the story keeps you on the edge of your seat, observing every subtle expression and gesture. Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in The World) delivers a stunning performance as Armand's mother. With perfect pacing and a foreboding atmosphere, Armand is a captivating exploration of human nature and the complexities of parenthood. Enhanced by an evocative score and striking cinematography, this stylistically gripping debut promises to leave you breathless.
Expected In Person Guest
Wednesday October 9, 2024 8:00pm - 9:57pm PDT
Sequoia 1
A carefree teen must care for his sister and win a cheese-making competition to secure their future in this heartwarming, funny, and uplifting coming-of-age tale that captures the essence of family and friendship.
In Louise Courvoisier's feature film debut, a teenager’s carefree days of drinking beers and partying in the idyllic French countryside are interrupted when he must care for his 7-year-old sister and find a way to support the two of them. His solution? To craft the best Comté cheese and win 30,000 euros, along with a prestigious gold medal, at an agricultural competition. Holy Cow is a sweet and uplifting coming-of-age story, capturing the essence of friendship, first love, and the struggles of growing up without parents. Courvoisier's masterful simplicity and authenticity bring a refreshing comedic touch to themes often steeped in drama. The film delves into youth culture, employment challenges, and the cherished traditions of cheese-making, all while highlighting the importance of family, friendship, and love. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, this winner of the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes is a perfect film to enchant all audiences.
Thursday October 10, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Rafael 1
Wild Diamond explores the relentless pursuit of fame through the eyes of Liane, a fiery 19-year-old. Living with a dysfunctional mother and caring for her younger sister in the sun-drenched town of Fréjus, Liane is determined to escape grim reality. Her weapon of choice? Beauty. With a fierce resolve and harboring the belief that desirability equals power, she shapes herself to become irresistible. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she auditions for Miracle Island, a reality show she sees as her ticket to validation and love. Shot in an immersive 4:3 aspect ratio, the film draws you into Liane’s world, capturing the intensity of her gaze and the desperation behind her Instagram-perfect facade. Agathe Riedinger’s empathetic direction in her feature debut reveals the raw, often painful, reality of a young woman caught between the harshness of life and the seductive allure of superficial success. Wild Diamond is a gripping exploration of identity, self-worth, and the cost of being seen.
Thursday October 10, 2024 5:45pm - 7:28pm PDT
Rafael 3
Middle-aged widow Rosa lives a quiet life dominated by the ghosts of her long ago marriage. As she makes a new life for herself, jarring revelations force her to face facts about her past and who she is today.
Amidst a suburban existence, a woman struggles with the ghosts of her troubled marriage in this quiet but emotional and full-bodied indie. Rosa is a middle-aged widow living on her own with her beloved dog Coquita but still in thrall to her former life. The story starts quietly, in an unassuming way that mirrors Rosa herself—except there is turbulence deep below the surface. Her incarcerated son Sergio refuses her visits, while her daughter-in-law Alejandra won’t see her or allow her near her grandson Sebas. Rosa’s life receives an unexpected spark when a friend introduces her to the world of tango, igniting a passion she shares with recent acquaintance Juan. Along the way, there are fissures that hint at truths Rosa has buried deep. And as so often with life, things flip. Rosa receives jarring revelations about the people around her but, ultimately, the biggest surprise is what she learns about herself.
En medio de una vida suburbana, una mujer enfrenta los fantasmas de un matrimonio problemático en esta sutil pero profunda película independiente cargada de significado emocional. Rosa es una viuda de mediana edad que vive sola con su amada perra Coquita, pero todavía es esclava de su vida anterior. La historia comienza de una manera modesta, como la propia Rosa, pero hay turbulencias muy por debajo de la superficie. Sergio, su hijo encarcelado, rechaza sus visitas, y su nuera, Alejandra, no la ve ni le permite acercarse a su nieto Sebas. La vida de Rosa cambia inesperadamente cuando una amiga la introduce al mundo del tango, encendiendo una pasión que comparte con un recién conocido, Juan. Con el tiempo, se hace evidente que hay verdades que Rosa ha enterrado profundamente. Y, como tantas veces ocurre en la vida, todo cambia. Rosa hace un descubrimiento estremecedor sobre las personas que la rodean, pero, en última instancia, la mayor sorpresa es lo que aprende sobre sí misma.
Expected In Person Guest
Thursday October 10, 2024 7:00pm - 8:46pm PDT
BAMPFA
Bay Area directors create warmly emotional odes to family members’ World War II travails. Allie Light’s The Ship That Turned Back chronicles late spouse Irving Saraf’s childhood escape from occupied Poland; Jeanne C. Finley’s Red Boat Crossing recalls her mother’s dramatic Red Cross service. Two treasured longtime Bay Area filmmakers’ new mid-length films memorialize family members’ tumultuous experiences during World War II. Jeanne C. Red Boat Crossing utilizes archival footage, miniatures, narration, onscreen text, and experimental techniques to recreate her mother Cecily Barker’s service as a psychiatric social worker for the battle-wounded on a Red Cross vessel. It’s an admiring tribute to quiet heroism that’s equal parts documentary and poetical reverie. Oscar®- and Emmy-winner Allie Light’s The Ship That Turned Back also draws on a mix of elements in letting late husband-collaborator Irving Saraf recall his Jewish family’s harrowing flight from Nazi-occupied Poland. It took them from Vienna to Trieste to Malta, then finally Palestine, dodging bombs and the custody of opposing armies en route. These “nerve-wracking adventures” (as his father put it) somehow left the then-7-year-old Saraf’s humor intact, as his playful recollections attest.
Expected In Person Guest
Thursday October 10, 2024 7:30pm - 8:43pm PDT
Rafael 2
The mysterious arrival of a piano at a Catholic shelter near Venice in the early 1800s sets progressive and orthodox musical outlooks ablaze in this rousing musical drama.
The mysterious arrival of a piano at a Catholic shelter near Venice in the early 1800s sets progressive and orthodox musical outlooks ablaze in this rousing musical drama. When the imperious chapel master Perlina announces that the institute’s choir will have the honor of playing for Pope Pius VII, his conservative opinions about composition and singing butt up against those of women who have bolder ideas. Preeminent among these is Teresa—nicknamed The Mute because of her seeming inability to speak—who evinces a prodigious and forward-thinking talent at the piano. When Perlina discovers Teresa’s gift, tensions rise and sides are chosen. Director Vicario is a well-known singer-songwriter and brings a playful harmony to a story that looks frankly at patriarchal and religious stifling of female talent. And once the climactic performance hits its first notes, it’s nearly impossible not to hum along.
Expected In Person Guest
Thursday October 10, 2024 8:00pm - 9:46pm PDT
Sequoia 1
The mysterious arrival of a piano at a Catholic shelter near Venice in the early 1800s sets progressive and orthodox musical outlooks ablaze in this rousing musical drama.
The mysterious arrival of a piano at a Catholic shelter near Venice in the early 1800s sets progressive and orthodox musical outlooks ablaze in this rousing musical drama. When the imperious chapel master Perlina announces that the institute’s choir will have the honor of playing for Pope Pius VII, his conservative opinions about composition and singing butt up against those of women who have bolder ideas. Preeminent among these is Teresa—nicknamed The Mute because of her seeming inability to speak—who evinces a prodigious and forward-thinking talent at the piano. When Perlina discovers Teresa’s gift, tensions rise and sides are chosen. Director Vicario is a well-known singer-songwriter and brings a playful harmony to a story that looks frankly at patriarchal and religious stifling of female talent. And once the climactic performance hits its first notes, it’s nearly impossible not to hum along.
Expected In Person Guest
Friday October 11, 2024 1:45pm - 3:31pm PDT
Rafael 2
In 1970s Brazil, a family's life collapses when the military regime seizes former congressman Rubens Paiva. His wife, Eunice, becomes a fierce advocate for justice. Walter Salles directs this poignant film, which reveals the pain and resilience of fighting for truth.
The idyllic life of a happy family in Rio de Janeiro takes a devastating turn when agents of Brazil’s military regime seize former congressman Rubens Paiva (Shelton Mello), leaving his wife Eunice (a stirring Fernanda Torres) alone with their five children. As Rubens disappears into the shadows of the country’s savage penal system, Eunice navigates the perilous waters of the police state and transforms into a relentless advocate for justice, her voice becoming a beacon in the fight against government atrocities. Based on Marcelo Paiva’s memoir and using actual family photos as inspiration, director Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries; On the Road, MVFF35) brings us a haunting portrayal of a family's tragic transformation under a brutal dictatorship. Eunice Paiva’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring scars of forced disappearances and the unyielding search for truth. The film, anchored by a stellar cast that includes Fernanda Montenegro (Salles’s Central Station) and Maeve Jinkings, resonates with the pain and resilience of those left behind.
La idílica vida de una familia feliz en Río de Janeiro da un giro devastador cuando los agentes del régimen militar de Brasil capturan al excongresista Rubens Paiva (Shelton Mello), dejando a su esposa Eunice (una conmovedora Fernanda Torres) sola con sus cinco hijos. Mientras Rubens desaparece en las sombras del salvaje sistema penal del país, Eunice navega por las peligrosas aguas del estado policial y se transforma en una implacable defensora de la justicia y su voz se convierte en un modelo de inspiración en la lucha contra las atrocidades cometidas por el gobierno. Basado en las memorias de Marcelo Paiva y utilizando fotografías familiares reales como inspiración, el cineasta Walter Salles (Diarios de motocicleta; On The Road, MVFF35) nos presenta un retrato inquietante de la trágica transformación de una familia bajo una brutal dictadura. La experiencia de Eunice Paiva ofrece un testimonio conmovedor de las cicatrices duraderas dejadas por las desapariciones forzadas y de la incansable búsqueda de la verdad. La película, respaldada por un elenco estelar que incluye a Fernanda Montenegro (conocida por su papel en la película de Salles “Central Station”) y Maeve Jinkings, resuena profundamente con el dolor y la resiliencia de quienes permanecen.
Friday October 11, 2024 3:00pm - 5:16pm PDT
Sequoia 2
The eponymous protagonist of this dramatic and moving debut feature yearns to escape the strictures of the repressive environment of ‘90s-era rural Saudi Arabia. Residing with her aunt and younger brother in a small village after a family tragedy, Norah buys contraband magazines from the local store and dreams of returning to the city where she was raised. In a country where printed and drawn images are forbidden, she longs to find some representation of herself. Enter Nader, a tall and quiet man brought to teach at the small school. After her brother wins a class competition and brings home a drawing made by Nader, Norah decides that she will try anything to have her portrait done by this kind and gentle stranger. Winner of a Special Jury Mention in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, the film expertly portrays the rising tensions that swirl around and between these two characters hoping to see and be seen.
Friday October 11, 2024 4:00pm - 5:34pm PDT
Lark Theatre
With shades of Joseph Losey’s The Servant and Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite in his scintillating directorial debut, Jianjie Lin invites us into a middle-class household in Beijing
In his scintillating directorial debut, Lin Jianjie invites us into the home of a middle-class Beijing family, where an alteration to routine disturbs the equilibrium, revealing a microcosm of socio-political intricacies in a post-one-child China. The only son of well-to-do urbanites, Wei befriends Shuo, a mysterious classmate. As the young man’s enigmatic persona leaves a strong impression on Wei and his parents, a bond forms between Shuo and the family. In particular, Wei’s cell biologist father is taken by the boy’s apparently studious nature, so different from his slacker son’s. As the relationship between Shuo and the family deepens, he begins to integrate into their household dynamic in the most precarious of ways. With shades of Joseph Losey’s The Servant and Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, Lin embarks on a microscopic examination of the infiltration of a familial cell within a larger national membrane.
Friday October 11, 2024 4:30pm - 6:09pm PDT
BAMPFA
Brimming with insight, French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop’s imaginative and pointed hybrid documentary depicts the story of 26 antiquities returned to Benin by France, the country’s former colonizer.
French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop follows up her sensational narrative debut Atlantics with this imaginative and pointed hybrid documentary about artistic repatriation and colonialism that took the top prize at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival. In presenting the story of 26 antiquities returned to Benin (which contained the Kingdom of Dahomey) by its former colonizer, France, the film sensuously details the packing up and shipping of these cultural artifacts in coruscating fashion. There’s the work of the curators in both countries sending, receiving, and detailing the work; there’s Beninese students’ impassioned reaction to this “too-little-too-late” French apologia; and then there’s the imagined dialogue from one of the pieces, a magisterial wood-carved statue of King Gezo, as he travels back to his homeland. Brimming with insight and inferred hope for future reparations, Diop memorably depicts this perhaps small but nevertheless singular moment of cultural exchange and apology.
Friday October 11, 2024 5:00pm - 6:08pm PDT
Rafael 2
Two boys, their parents, and staff struggle for redemption after a mysterious incident at school in this drama that unveils secrets with chilling precision. A gripping exploration of parenthood, perception, and the unknown.
When six-year-old Armand is accused of crossing boundaries with his best friend Jon at school, it sets off a chain of events that drags parents and school staff into a gripping battle for redemption. Winner of this year's Caméra d'Or at Cannes, Norwegian writer-director Halfdan Ullmann Tondel, grandson of Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann, masterfully constructs a narrative that slowly unveils its secrets as the incident remains shrouded in mystery. No one truly knows what happened between the boys, and as perceptions shift, the story keeps you on the edge of your seat, observing every subtle expression and gesture. Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in The World) delivers a stunning performance as Armand's mother. With perfect pacing and a foreboding atmosphere, Armand is a captivating exploration of human nature and the complexities of parenthood. Enhanced by an evocative score and striking cinematography, this stylistically gripping debut promises to leave you breathless.
Expected In Person Guest
Friday October 11, 2024 7:00pm - 8:57pm PDT
BAMPFA
Crafted with visual poetry and empathy, MVFF Mind the Gap Award honoree Payal Kapadia’s drama shines a light on three nurses as they negotiate love and life in teeming Mumbai.
Crafted with visual poetry and emotional empathy, this 2024 Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winner from MVFF Mind the Gap Award honoree Payal Kapadia shines a light on three nurses as they negotiate love and life in the teeming Mumbai metropolis. Prabha has a husband living overseas, her younger roommate Anu is carrying on a secret relationship with a Muslim boy, and Parvati plans to leave the big city after her husband dies. Without the support of men, these women forge bonds of mutual support while dispensing much-needed information and advice to their female patients. Cinematographer Ranabir Das tracks their days from work to home with a shimmering beauty, especially in the nighttime scenes. As the film moves from city to country in its second half, the women’s relationships shift and deepen as Kapadia finds the small but wondrous epiphanies in everyday lives.
Friday October 11, 2024 7:00pm - 8:58pm PDT
Rafael 1
In Andrés Baiz’s drama, a young smuggler's world unravels amidst a deadly rivalry on the Colombia-Venezuela border. With gripping performances and stunning visuals, this electrifying thriller explores betrayal, greed, and survival in a lawless land.
With intense action, raw emotion, and stunning visuals, Pimpinero: Blood and Oil captures the collision of moral, ethical, and human boundaries in a lawless land where only the ruthless thrive. Directed by Andrés Baiz, the visionary behind global hits like Narcos and Griselda, this electrifying thriller plunges us into the dangerous world of gasoline smugglers known as “pimpineros,” who toil their trade along the volatile Colombia-Venezuela border. Set in the early 2010s, against a sun-scorched desert, the film follows Juan (Alejandro Speitzer), the youngest of three brothers entwined in this treacherous business, as a deadly rivalry threatens to unravel his family and everything they hold dear—including his love for the fiery Diana (rising star Laura Osma), his partner in everything. Colombian music legend Juanes, Alberto Guerra, and Osma deliver gripping performances as the stakes rise for Juan and his kin, bringing to life a tale of betrayal, greed, and survival.
Con acción intensa, emoción cruda y efectos visuales impresionantes, “Pimpinero: Sangre y Gasolina” captura el conflicto de límites morales, éticos y humanos en una tierra sin ley donde sólo los despiadados prosperan. Dirigida por Andrés Baiz, el autor visionario detrás de éxitos globales como Narcos y Griselda, este electrizante thriller nos sumerge en el peligroso mundo de los contrabandistas de gasolina conocidos como “pimpineros”, que hacen negocio a lo largo de la volátil frontera entre Colombia y Venezuela. Ambientada a principios de la década de 2010, en un desierto abrasado por el sol, la película sigue a Juan (Alejandro Speitzer), el menor de tres hermanos enredados en este traicionero negocio, mientras una rivalidad mortal amenaza con destruir a su familia y todo lo que aprecian, incluido su amor por la impulsiva Diana (la futura estrella Laura Osma), quien es su socia en todo. La leyenda de la música colombiana Juanes, junto con Alberto Guerra y Osma, ofrecen actuaciones apasionantes a medida que aumentan los riesgos para Juan y sus familiares, dando vida a un relato de traición, codicia y supervivencia.
Friday October 11, 2024 7:00pm - 9:12pm PDT
Lark Theatre
In 1992, amidst Lima’s political turmoil, two sisters and their mother prepare to flee Peru while their estranged father seeks reconciliation.Klaudia Reynicke’s poignant drama beautifully blends coming-of-age intimacy with powerful socio-political commentary.
Experience a poignant journey through the eyes of a family living under the shadow of Alberto Fujimori’s authoritarian regime in 1992 Lima, Peru. The film delves deep into the emotional bonds within a matriarchal family, presenting an intimate, dazzling portrayal of two adolescent sisters and their mother as they prepare to leave the country amidst the turbulence while their estranged father attempts to reconnect with his daughters before their departure. Filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke masterfully weaves her childhood memories into the narrative, showcasing a meticulous reconstruction of history-laden domestic worlds as the story transitions seamlessly between a touching coming-of-age tale and a powerful socio-political commentary. With strong performances, exceptional art direction, and evocative costumes, this film stands out as a delicate and moving drama that captures the essence of personal and collective struggle. Don’t miss this compelling story that resonates with both heart and history, highlighting the resilience and strength of women in times of adversity.
Haga un viaje conmovedor a través de los ojos de una familia que vive bajo la sombra del régimen autoritario de Alberto Fujimori en 1992, en Lima, Perú. La película profundiza en los lazos emocionales dentro de una familia matriarcal, presentando un retrato íntimo y deslumbrante de dos hermanas adolescentes y su madre mientras se preparan para abandonar el país en medio de la turbulencia a la vez que su distanciado padre intenta volver a conectarse con las hijas antes de su partida. La cineasta Klaudia Reynicke entrelaza magistralmente los recuerdos de su infancia en la narrativa, ofreciendo una reconstrucción meticulosa de un mundo doméstico cargado de historia. A medida que la película avanza, se convierte en un conmovedor relato sobre el paso a la madurez y un poderoso comentario sociopolítico. Con excelentes interpretaciones, una dirección de arte excepcional y un vestuario evocador, esta película se destaca como un drama delicado y conmovedor que captura la esencia de la lucha personal y colectiva. No se pierda esta cautivadora historia que resuena tanto con el corazón como con la mente, destacando la resiliencia y fortaleza de las mujeres en tiempos de adversidad.
Expected In Person Guest
Friday October 11, 2024 8:00pm - 9:44pm PDT
Sequoia 1
Iris (Isabelle Huppert) is a woman abroad in Seoul, teaching French and English in an idiosyncratic fashion. Linguistic collisions are Hong’s stock in trade and the revelations that unfold over conversations in artificially constructed circumstances are a delight to behold.
Isabelle Huppert is Iris, a woman abroad in Seoul, teaching French and English in an idiosyncratic fashion that allows her to pursue her own philosophical and personal interests. Through four encounters over a single day, Iris probes students and strangers for information about poetry, their own histories, and their relationship to their egos. Director Hong Sang-Soo’s delight in repetition is in play as Iris’s pedagogical catechism takes almost the same form in the first two sequences but deepens when she takes her tutelage outdoors with a married couple and visits a younger man with whom she shares an apartment. Huppert, in her third collaboration with Hong, is puckish and sprightly as the open-eyed and questioning Iris, supported by an impeccable group of performers whom her character knocks up against. Linguistic collisions are Hong’s stock in trade and the revelations that happen here as people converse in artificially constructed circumstances are a delight to behold.
Saturday October 12, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Rafael 2
Brimming with insight, French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop’s imaginative and pointed hybrid documentary depicts the story of 26 antiquities returned to Benin by France, the country’s former colonizer.
French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop follows up her sensational narrative debut Atlantics with this imaginative and pointed hybrid documentary about artistic repatriation and colonialism that took the top prize at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival. In presenting the story of 26 antiquities returned to Benin (which contained the Kingdom of Dahomey) by its former colonizer, France, the film sensuously details the packing up and shipping of these cultural artifacts in coruscating fashion. There’s the work of the curators in both countries sending, receiving, and detailing the work; there’s Beninese students’ impassioned reaction to this “too-little-too-late” French apologia; and then there’s the imagined dialogue from one of the pieces, a magisterial wood-carved statue of King Gezo, as he travels back to his homeland. Brimming with insight and inferred hope for future reparations, Diop memorably depicts this perhaps small but nevertheless singular moment of cultural exchange and apology.
Saturday October 12, 2024 4:30pm - 5:38pm PDT
BAMPFA
Director Adam Elliot’s exquisitely eccentric snail-centered stop-motion dramedy for adults is a basket of wonders, featuring voiceover talents of Australian luminaries Sarah Snook (Succession), Eric Bana (Full Frontal) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Power of the Dog). Slimily sublime!
Director Adam Elliot’s exquisitely crafted, beautifully scripted stop-motion animation geared to an adult audience is a basket of wonders, from Elena Kats-Chernin’s brilliant musical score to the voiceover talents of Australian luminaries Sarah Snook (Succession), Eric Bana (Full Frontal) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog, MVFF44). It's Australia, 1970s. Life is no bowl of cherries for young Grace Pudel and her twin brother Gilbert. Bullied at school, Grace imagines growing a shell, curling her soft center into a ball of protection—just like her beloved pet snail, Sylvia. After their street musician dad dies in a busking accident, Grace is left alone when the twins are shunted off to separate parts of the continent. Enter Pinkie, an ebullient, cigar smoking octogenarian whose colorful past includes stints as an exotic dancer in a schnitzel bar, ping pong matches with Fidel Castro, and now, a leading role in Grace’s life as her first human friend. Whimsical, irreverent, totally charming. And: Unforgettably sub(s)lime!
Expected In Person Guest
Saturday October 12, 2024 7:00pm - 8:34pm PDT
Sequoia 2
A former actress battles her troubled past, strained family ties, and lingering scars from Brazil's political turmoil. This powerful drama, rich in emotion and resilience, offers a raw and moving portrait of three women bound by generational trauma.
A former actress grapples with the shadows of her past in Pedro Freire’s riveting drama that captures a turbulent life. At 50, Malu resides in a dilapidated Rio de Janeiro slum with her staunchly traditional mother, Lili, while attempting to mend a fragile relationship with her daughter, Joana. The film delves deep into generational trauma, illustrating how past political upheavals, including Brazil's military dictatorship, have left lasting scars on this dysfunctional family. Malu's close bond with her queer friend Tibira further strains her relationship with Lili, exposing deep-seated prejudices and conflicts. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Freire's own mother, Malu Rocha, the film boasts a spectacular script and phenomenal performances that illuminate the complexities of family ties and personal resilience. Filmed in a Cassavetes-esque style that emphasizes character relationships and creates a cinema vérité feel, the must-see Malu delivers a profoundly moving portrayal of three women navigating the tumultuous waters of shared history.
Una ex actriz lidia con las sombras de su pasado en el fascinante drama de Pedro Freire que captura una vida turbulenta. A sus 50 años, Malu reside en una ruinosa favela de Río de Janeiro con su madre, Lili, mientras intenta reparar su frágil relación con su hija Joana. La película profundiza en el trauma generacional, ilustrando cómo las revueltas políticas pasadas, incluida la dictadura militar en Brasil, han dejado cicatrices duraderas en esta familia disfuncional. El estrecho vínculo de Malu con su amiga queer Tibira tensa aún más su relación con Lili, exponiendo prejuicios y conflictos profundamente arraigados. Inspirado en las experiencias de vida real de la propia madre de Freire, Malu Rocha, la película cuenta con un espectacular guión y actuaciones fenomenales que iluminan las complejidades de los lazos familiares y la resiliencia personal. Filmado al estilo Cassavetes, enfatizando las relaciones entre los personajes y creando una sensación de cinéma vérité, “Malu”, una película imperdible, ofrece un retrato profundamente conmovedor de tres mujeres navegando por las turbulentas aguas de una historia compartida.
Saturday October 12, 2024 7:00pm - 8:41pm PDT
Rafael 2
Crafted with visual poetry and empathy, MVFF Mind the Gap Award honoree Payal Kapadia’s drama shines a light on three nurses as they negotiate love and life in teeming Mumbai.
Crafted with visual poetry and emotional empathy, this 2024 Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winner from MVFF Mind the Gap Award honoree Payal Kapadia shines a light on three nurses as they negotiate love and life in the teeming Mumbai metropolis. Prabha has a husband living overseas, her younger roommate Anu is carrying on a secret relationship with a Muslim boy, and Parvati plans to leave the big city after her husband dies. Without the support of men, these women forge bonds of mutual support while dispensing much-needed information and advice to their female patients. Cinematographer Ranabir Das tracks their days from work to home with a shimmering beauty, especially in the nighttime scenes. As the film moves from city to country in its second half, the women’s relationships shift and deepen as Kapadia finds the small but wondrous epiphanies in everyday lives.
Expected in person guest.
Saturday October 12, 2024 7:00pm - 8:58pm PDT
BAMPFA
In Oscar® winner Steve McQueen's brilliant drama, a young boy sent to the country to wait out the WWII Blitz runs away, determined to make it back home to London.
With a gripping visual prelude, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, MVFF36) brilliantly captures the on-the-ground drama of WW2 London during the Blitz. As the bombardments escalate, young mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn, MVFF38; Lady Bird, MVFF40 ) makes the painful decision to evacuate her nine-year-old son George (Elliott Heffernan making an indelible screen debut) to the English countryside for safety. Only the lad will have none of that, jumping off the train to find his way back home and reunite with his mum and beloved piano-playing granddad Gerald (musician Paul Weller). In an adventure increasingly fraught and filled with danger, he navigates the war-torn streets and Underground tunnels of London—complete with characters reminiscent of Dickens. Rita, meanwhile, frantically searches for her wayward child. With an impeccable sense of time, place and humanity, McQueen turns his attention to the perils everyday British civilians faced in the chaos and violence of the War with stunning, unforgettable results.
Saturday October 12, 2024 7:30pm - 9:41pm PDT
Rafael 1
A woman discovers the corpse of her uncle, a man who caused her considerable pain, in this darkly funny portrait of Zambia’s matriarchal society that grippingly explores the younger generation’s desire to break free from the sins of the past.
Death and secrets permeate writer-director Rungano Nyoni’s dazzling second feature, the winner of Best Director in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival. Driving through the night after a party, Shula (Susan Chardy) happens across the corpse of her Uncle Fred. That she’s learned that he’s dead isn’t shocking—that she doesn’t care at all is. A portrait of Zambia’s matriarchal society and the lingering emotional scars left behind by sexual abuse, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl combines dark comedy and bruising drama—absurdism and stripped-down realism—to investigate lies that have smothered Shula’s family for years. The filmmaker of 2017’s equally stellar I Am Not a Witch continues to demonstrate an ability to craft modern parables that grapple with both history and a younger generation’s desire to break free from the sins of the past. Funerals have rarely been so cathartic.
Saturday October 12, 2024 8:00pm - 9:35pm PDT
Rafael 3
In 1992, amidst Lima’s political turmoil, two sisters and their mother prepare to flee Peru while their estranged father seeks reconciliation.Klaudia Reynicke’s poignant drama beautifully blends coming-of-age intimacy with powerful socio-political commentary.
Experience a poignant journey through the eyes of a family living under the shadow of Alberto Fujimori’s authoritarian regime in 1992 Lima, Peru. The film delves deep into the emotional bonds within a matriarchal family, presenting an intimate, dazzling portrayal of two adolescent sisters and their mother as they prepare to leave the country amidst the turbulence while their estranged father attempts to reconnect with his daughters before their departure. Filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke masterfully weaves her childhood memories into the narrative, showcasing a meticulous reconstruction of history-laden domestic worlds as the story transitions seamlessly between a touching coming-of-age tale and a powerful socio-political commentary. With strong performances, exceptional art direction, and evocative costumes, this film stands out as a delicate and moving drama that captures the essence of personal and collective struggle. Don’t miss this compelling story that resonates with both heart and history, highlighting the resilience and strength of women in times of adversity.
Haga un viaje conmovedor a través de los ojos de una familia que vive bajo la sombra del régimen autoritario de Alberto Fujimori en 1992, en Lima, Perú. La película profundiza en los lazos emocionales dentro de una familia matriarcal, presentando un retrato íntimo y deslumbrante de dos hermanas adolescentes y su madre mientras se preparan para abandonar el país en medio de la turbulencia a la vez que su distanciado padre intenta volver a conectarse con las hijas antes de su partida. La cineasta Klaudia Reynicke entrelaza magistralmente los recuerdos de su infancia en la narrativa, ofreciendo una reconstrucción meticulosa de un mundo doméstico cargado de historia. A medida que la película avanza, se convierte en un conmovedor relato sobre el paso a la madurez y un poderoso comentario sociopolítico. Con excelentes interpretaciones, una dirección de arte excepcional y un vestuario evocador, esta película se destaca como un drama delicado y conmovedor que captura la esencia de la lucha personal y colectiva. No se pierda esta cautivadora historia que resuena tanto con el corazón como con la mente, destacando la resiliencia y fortaleza de las mujeres en tiempos de adversidad.
Expected In Person Guest
Sunday October 13, 2024 4:00pm - 5:44pm PDT
BAMPFA
A former actress battles her troubled past, strained family ties, and lingering scars from Brazil's political turmoil. This powerful drama, rich in emotion and resilience, offers a raw and moving portrait of three women bound by generational trauma.
A former actress grapples with the shadows of her past in Pedro Freire’s riveting drama that captures a turbulent life. At 50, Malu resides in a dilapidated Rio de Janeiro slum with her staunchly traditional mother, Lili, while attempting to mend a fragile relationship with her daughter, Joana. The film delves deep into generational trauma, illustrating how past political upheavals, including Brazil's military dictatorship, have left lasting scars on this dysfunctional family. Malu's close bond with her queer friend Tibira further strains her relationship with Lili, exposing deep-seated prejudices and conflicts. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Freire's own mother, Malu Rocha, the film boasts a spectacular script and phenomenal performances that illuminate the complexities of family ties and personal resilience. Filmed in a Cassavetes-esque style that emphasizes character relationships and creates a cinema vérité feel, the must-see Malu delivers a profoundly moving portrayal of three women navigating the tumultuous waters of shared history.
Una ex actriz lidia con las sombras de su pasado en el fascinante drama de Pedro Freire que captura una vida turbulenta. A sus 50 años, Malu reside en una ruinosa favela de Río de Janeiro con su madre, Lili, mientras intenta reparar su frágil relación con su hija Joana. La película profundiza en el trauma generacional, ilustrando cómo las revueltas políticas pasadas, incluida la dictadura militar en Brasil, han dejado cicatrices duraderas en esta familia disfuncional. El estrecho vínculo de Malu con su amiga queer Tibira tensa aún más su relación con Lili, exponiendo prejuicios y conflictos profundamente arraigados. Inspirado en las experiencias de vida real de la propia madre de Freire, Malu Rocha, la película cuenta con un espectacular guión y actuaciones fenomenales que iluminan las complejidades de los lazos familiares y la resiliencia personal. Filmado al estilo Cassavetes, enfatizando las relaciones entre los personajes y creando una sensación de cinéma vérité, “Malu”, una película imperdible, ofrece un retrato profundamente conmovedor de tres mujeres navegando por las turbulentas aguas de una historia compartida.
Sunday October 13, 2024 6:30pm - 8:11pm PDT
Lark Theatre
In Oscar® winner Steve McQueen's brilliant drama, a young boy sent to the country to wait out the WWII Blitz runs away, determined to make it back home to London.
With a gripping visual prelude, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, MVFF36) brilliantly captures the on-the-ground drama of WW2 London during the Blitz. As the bombardments escalate, young mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn, MVFF38; Lady Bird, MVFF40 ) makes the painful decision to evacuate her nine-year-old son George (Elliott Heffernan making an indelible screen debut) to the English countryside for safety. Only the lad will have none of that, jumping off the train to find his way back home and reunite with his mum and beloved piano-playing granddad Gerald (musician Paul Weller). In an adventure increasingly fraught and filled with danger, he navigates the war-torn streets and Underground tunnels of London—complete with characters reminiscent of Dickens. Rita, meanwhile, frantically searches for her wayward child. With an impeccable sense of time, place and humanity, McQueen turns his attention to the perils everyday British civilians faced in the chaos and violence of the War with stunning, unforgettable results.
Sunday October 13, 2024 7:00pm - 9:11pm PDT
BAMPFA
In 1970s Brazil, a family's life collapses when the military regime seizes former congressman Rubens Paiva. His wife, Eunice, becomes a fierce advocate for justice. Walter Salles directs this poignant film, which reveals the pain and resilience of fighting for truth.
The idyllic life of a happy family in Rio de Janeiro takes a devastating turn when agents of Brazil’s military regime seize former congressman Rubens Paiva (Shelton Mello), leaving his wife Eunice (a stirring Fernanda Torres) alone with their five children. As Rubens disappears into the shadows of the country’s savage penal system, Eunice navigates the perilous waters of the police state and transforms into a relentless advocate for justice, her voice becoming a beacon in the fight against government atrocities. Based on Marcelo Paiva’s memoir and using actual family photos as inspiration, director Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries; On the Road, MVFF35) brings us a haunting portrayal of a family's tragic transformation under a brutal dictatorship. Eunice Paiva’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring scars of forced disappearances and the unyielding search for truth. The film, anchored by a stellar cast that includes Fernanda Montenegro (Salles’s Central Station) and Maeve Jinkings, resonates with the pain and resilience of those left behind.
La idílica vida de una familia feliz en Río de Janeiro da un giro devastador cuando los agentes del régimen militar de Brasil capturan al excongresista Rubens Paiva (Shelton Mello), dejando a su esposa Eunice (una conmovedora Fernanda Torres) sola con sus cinco hijos. Mientras Rubens desaparece en las sombras del salvaje sistema penal del país, Eunice navega por las peligrosas aguas del estado policial y se transforma en una implacable defensora de la justicia y su voz se convierte en un modelo de inspiración en la lucha contra las atrocidades cometidas por el gobierno. Basado en las memorias de Marcelo Paiva y utilizando fotografías familiares reales como inspiración, el cineasta Walter Salles (Diarios de motocicleta; On The Road, MVFF35) nos presenta un retrato inquietante de la trágica transformación de una familia bajo una brutal dictadura. La experiencia de Eunice Paiva ofrece un testimonio conmovedor de las cicatrices duraderas dejadas por las desapariciones forzadas y de la incansable búsqueda de la verdad. La película, respaldada por un elenco estelar que incluye a Fernanda Montenegro (conocida por su papel en la película de Salles “Central Station”) y Maeve Jinkings, resuena profundamente con el dolor y la resiliencia de quienes permanecen.
Sunday October 13, 2024 8:00pm - 10:16pm PDT
Rafael 1
