FESTIWAL FILMOW FRANKOFONSKICH (FRANCOPHONE FILM FESTIVAL) - ONLINE

LE JEUNE AHMED (YOUNG AHMED) (2019)

Watchable. The Belgian offering is the brainchild of the Dardenne brothers whose previous work includes "La fille inconnue" ("The Unknown Girl") - also dealing with the issues of acculturation of Arabs in Europe. They retake the subject, in a completely different story, in this efficient thriller which makes clever use of both suspense and depicting the issue from a few Muslim points of view. The movie's made by the numbers, with a few twists of action. Still, the by-the-book script means it's too predictable for the most part.

LES HIRONDELLES DE KABOUL (THE SWALLOWS OF KABUL) (2019)

Watchable. An elegant animation about the Taliban rule. This moving adaptation of the Algerian novel of the same title is too poetic, with unnatural dialogue, for a film. The literary conversations between the characters remind you over and over again it's fiction.

Next time subtitles on black background, please. Both films had them barely legible on light backgrounds.

YES, GOD, YES

Watchable. Expected a raunchy flick? God forbid! It's a Catholic high school and their  community retreat. The satire on how controlling the Catholic community is is a peculiar mixture: tame but with filthy jokes, even toilet humour is unavoidable. Gentle but sexual connotations are served straight in your face. Pleasant on the whole, mostly owing to wonderfully stereotypical character performances. 

The movie will be available on several Polish vod platforms from Friday and is on one alredy.

FESTIWAL FILMOW FRANKOFONSKICH (FRANCOPHONE FILM FESTIVAL) - ONLINE

ADORATION (2019)

Watchable. The first act of the Belgian-French offering plods along, on the silly side, and three elements are disturbing: the bird, the kept girl and the mother but the movie livens up at the escape and, unpredictable from act two, keeps you intrigued. What did Gloria do? Is she truly sane? Can she be really dangerous? The story brings associations with "La Pazza Gioia" ("Like Crazy") - through the troubled but joyful escape and "The Snow Queen" fairy-tale - the places they visit represent various lands and, at least in a runaway's mind, turn dangerous or hide menace. Several frame-like pictures in underlit setting of varying hues are so badly in-your-face they fail to impress.

The sound and Polish subtitles are of the same quality as in "Orizont".

DE GAULLE IN EIRINN (DE GAULLE IN IRELAND) (2020)

Watchable. The Irish documentary, partly in Irish language, about a little known episode in Charles de Gaulle's life is a chance to learn about the history of France, the history of Ireland and 20th century politics in Europe. Lovely pictures of Ireland, mostly shot on the rare days of sunny weather fill the gaps between the historical trivia. As for the form, it consists of 4 parts with blackouts in between. 

The sound and Polish subtitles are of the same quality as in previously mentioned films, with tht difference of a lack of black space below the picture.

TAMBOUR BATTANT (2019)

Watchable. Amusing rivalry in a small Swiss town of the 70s. Aloys is played by Pierre Mifsud whose acting chops and manner match those of late Louis de Funes. Pierre Mifsud is the star of the show. I'm not sure why his competitor looks like a porn star. The comedy is built on oppositions: old and new music, traditional and progressive social values, political right and left. But the moment I laughed out loud was when Aloys was giving a speech so fervently he hit his aide. The best scene though comes right after the shooting at the train station and leads straight to the finale. It's mostly the quality of actual music that detracts from the comedy. 

No black space below the picture again. The subtitles are smaller this time, legible only from up close and placed often on light background. 

FESTIWAL FILMOW FRANKOFONSKICH (FRANCOPHONE FILM FESTIVAL) - ONLINE

I've seen wonderful "Dalida" and so-so "La femme de mon frère" ("A Brother's Love") before. So I've got 6 left to see this year - the festival runs to 26 March and is free of charge.

ORIZONT (2015)

Watchable. An enigmatic but engaging crime drama. I mean, I couldn't make out who the few dodgy groups of people were but the protagonist knew how to react. May be down to my lack of knowledge of Romanian society and the movie seems to explore the socio-psychological roots of the rural underworld. The way the film cast interact with one another appears natural and the dialogue and the thugs authentic. For the most part, I thought the movie should be titled "Crime and No Punishment" but that comes in the end too.

It's loud and the subtitles are legible from a distance, apart from those on light background, shame the black space below wasn't used for that but I guess the movie was initially destined for cinemas.

NAJLEPSZE KROTKIE METRAZE 2021/VOL. 1

A set of 4 short films shown in this order:

ALICJA I ZABKA (ALICE AND THE FROG)

Watchable. Kiss a prince and he'll turn into a frog - one in your tummy, that is. Or a tadpole rather since that resembles a spermatozoon more. This artistic representation of minors' and adults' reactions to underage pregnancy draws on a number of cultural references: from Alice following a rabbit to the urban legend of a "Sun" game. The horror of being refused a legal termination gets muddled through those artistic insertions though, however visually thought-out they are.

WE HAVE ONE HEART

Switched off. Only for people nosy enough to be interested in some strangers' family relations. And you'd better like children - a kid narrates the story.

NOAMIA

Watchable. The promising set-up of a gay police officer recognising a male victim is spoilt when the crime doesn't get resolved. Instead you follow a convoluted psychological drama with some filthy remarks thrown in. Despite that, the secret love undertone makes the whole thing intriguing. It's also rare to see recognisable actors in a short film so keep an eye out for some familiar faces including Bartłomiej Topa.

WIELKI STRACH

Recommended. In Poland, you've been hearing horrifying war stories since childhood. But these events haven't been known to me before at all. At first it looks like some boring talking heads, very old and worn so hardly enticing. But as you listen to the stories, they become more and more blood-curdling. The documentary deals with post-war crimes in Podkarpacie, where Polish people murdered other Poles on a mass scale. The slaughters, often for some miserable possessions, extended till the 50s. One of the tales is about a man who deprived a girl returning after the war of her suitcase and threw her into a well - she didn't get killed instantly but kept moaning - only to discover, upon opening the case and finding photographs, that she was his daughter. Unbelievable what became of people in the result of war when destitute. Interestingly, even nowadays witnesses and fact seekers are threatened, most likely by descendants of the criminals. Leaves you in sheer horror.

Seen online, cinematic reception might differ.

KAZDY MA SWOJE LATO (EVERYONE HAS A SUMMER)

Watchable. A typical Polish tragicomedy, this one with a satirical look both at neurodegeneration occurring in elderly people and at the clash between vegetarians and carnivores. It is funny at times, e.g. when you see who gets interested in the girl the most but later, on a few occasions, turns sour. Why can't Poles create pure fun?! Nicolas Przygoda as butcher Mirek and Maciej Grzybowski as his grandfather stand out acting-wise. Each character develops within the story, there's some female nudity and it's women who provoke the men - everything's made by the traditional, sexist, Polish movie-shooting book. Engaging enough but simplistic, stereotypical and disturbing.

HER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL ONLINE - HERSTORIE NA DZIEN KOBIET

THE VIBRANT VILLAGE

Recommended. A brilliant satirical short film: when men drink in a bar, women manufacture vibrators.

I'LL CALL YOU WHEN I GET THERE

Watchable. The conversations of a young artist with her overly apprehensive mother and a police officer at some point get hilarious. But there's no point in this short film other than showing the two points of view.

NIE MASZ DYSTANSU (YOU ARE OVERREACTING)

Recommended. A wonderful short film on rape culture, using common people's and real life politicians' statements on women.

ER SIE ICH (HE SHE I)

Switched off. Strangers dissect their convoluted relationship. An avoidant man and a loving woman - bog-standard. Altogether a boring autopsy of a dead relationship.

KATE NASH: UNDERESTIMATE THE GIRL

Recommended. I hadn't even heard of this artist before and I'm still not a fan of her type of music but her life story where "the universe" would sometimes say "no" or "swing" her in a specific direction proved to be fascinating and now I'm wholeheartedly rooting for her. Kate's colourful attires, wonderful hairstyles and imaginative make-up change over and over again as you follow her highs and lows round the world. At some point the story gets criminal and you feel angry about the "badass reputation" being style in the LA music industry. Amazing how she drew on feminine powers to fight the evil ex-manager in court. It's also a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at money-making in music. Film-wise, her most adorable dog Stella is the icing on the cake.

The Polish short films enjoyed top-notch sound, I had an impression I found myself in the cinema. The general screening quality was fine, a bit annoying you have to set up an account for the Pięć Smaków platform even for the free screenings.

DRUK (ANOTHER ROUND)

Watchable. The movie tries hard to persuade you that culture is based on intoxication. I'm not buying this idea but the plot centred round a group of seemingly-reasonable adults experimenting with booze meant to improve inter-human relations and release your mind strengths is engaging. An insertion of videos of drunk politicians and mentioning anecdotes about them seems meant to justify alcoholism but also shows how easily you can manipulate public opinion selecting facts. A death would normally show danger but the film so strongly justifies moderate, even if daily, drinking, it's internally contradictory. The highlight is the magnificently choreographed finale. Can I have another round of Mads Mikkelsen dancing, please? In fact, I'd love to see him in a musical next. 

POSSESSOR UNCUT

Watchable. By Brandon Cronenberg, David Cronenberg's son, so it's not surprising the movie shares some key attributes of his predecessor's "eXistenZ" (1999) - humans connecting their bodies to machines and getting lost in what's reality and what isn't as well as Andrew Niccol's "The Host" (2013) - though this mind-intruder is quite earthly. Futuristic chairs and retro glasses represent state-of-art companies. Never mind the assassin one, also Zoothroo deals in shocking data-mining via webcams. They're both evil corporations crossing boundaries of morality and privacy. That's as much is lucid even though the film's based on understatements, forcing you to connect the dots yourself. But as a horror, it fails to scare, too much ketchup-resembling gore - each assassination is splattered with fresh arterial spray. The movie may appear original to youngsters but to those familiar with David Cronenberg's work it's the same fun updated and reloaded. Just how many times can you serve the same fare?

AMMONITE

Watchable. Another costume lesbian story, hard even not to compare to "Portrait de la jeune fille en feu" ("Portrait of a Lady on Fire"), also taking place by the seaside. This one is only occasionally subtle though and far from sophistication - there's even some hot woman on woman action. Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan shed their purely romantic image. Elaborate period dresses of one of the women contrast with austere ones of the other since the second bottom is a class clash. Erotic passion mixes with an admiration of a rare specimen they both seem to be to each other. Masterful sound effects render this simple tale vivid, as if you were there. 

All seen online, cinematic reception might differ.

SWEAT

Watchable. I expected a flick about narcissism, envy, rivalry. Luckily the movie has defied my expectations. The protagonist, apart from her amazing looks (perfectly cast Magdalena Koleśnik: beautiful, athletic and able to express any emotion) is likeable: every dog would love to have such an owner, she has a heartfelt conversation with an old school mate, is kind to her family, environmentally friendly and hard-working. The rest of the cast acts natural, the pace is decent, the actress changes costumes frequently which, combined with pop music and rhythmic exercise, makes it just nice to watch till the finale which is a sequence of her unpredictable decisions. While watching, I was struck by the grace of Sylwia's attitude to people's weaknesses. But after the movie I couldn't shake off the feeling something was intrinsically wrong: is a man's masturbation when looking at an attractive stranger just a weakness? Can't he overcome it? Does he really have to harass her? The message the film sends is sexist to the core.

PALM SPRINGS

Watchable. A light, sun-bathed comedy based on a fascinating sci-fi set-up. Starts with college age drunken antics type of humour, some pranks are pretty pathetic, but the tale is perfectly-paced and at some point takes a more serious turn leading to a quantum leap of faith. In spite of a prankster-level plot, you don't get bored for a minute and even start analyzing the pros and cons of living a day on a loop. Light in tone but hardly funny, I only grinned at "I'm your son" scene just before the finale. Still, entertaining it is. The mid-credit ties up one loose end.

SOUND OF METAL

Watchable. My primary impression: "Le chant du loup" ("The Wolf's Call") showed it better, even though it was just a brief moment in the film. This one is admittedly comprehensive, the whole film is devoted to the niche topic of losing your hearing and it's even more niche because the protagonist is a heavy metal band drummer. On the other hand, it makes the story relevant to an audience that's into gigs. So you traipse along the musician hearing, not hearing, mishearing sounds. Riz Ahmed is sloppy in the leading role, his speech is never fully clear, not even at the beginning when he still hears at times, he sounds like a chain smoker at all times, that dryness of his larynx calls for a doctor, not a director. The drama of Ruben and the help group leader getting their wires crossed is engaging as are the practicalities of such a tremendous life change. The sound effects give the story a real feel but in a documentary sense rather than dramatic. Some behaviours of Ruben, Lou or the help group leader, who I'm not sure whether he was a priest or not, are incomprehensible. I'm not sure if it's the script writer, the director or the actors but someone seriously failed in this respect. Hard to identify yourself with people you don't understand.

Both seen online, cinematic reception might differ.

BURROW

Watchable. The Pixar short screened together with "Soul" has no words and is clearly for little children. The pictures are quite simple, yet the tale, in its simple form, deals with looking for your place in life and your place to live at the same time. So both the wee ones and adults of all ages will find a point of reference.

SOUL

Recommended. For adults rather than children since the plot is complex and multi-layered. The basic idea resembles "Coco" but the realm of the dead is more otherworldly and the tale conveys a different message, a number of messages in fact. Disney raises a bar for the animation genre once again. The afterlife is mostly translucent and pastel or black, depending on the spatial geometric forms dominating the area. Shimmering surfaces and opalescent landscapes are mesmerising. Varied animation styles not only keep you glued to the screen, they also proudly aim for an Oscar. The plot is truly moving at times, humorous at others, thought-provoking, profound and smart on several levels: from people's little foibles to the meaning of life and the clash of one's destiny and dream. As for the award-winning music, the likes of Herbie Hancock, George Spencer and 4 others are credited as cultural and music consultants and it's Atmos-recorded. Personally, I'm not a jazz fan but the music style is the least important in the story. In Poland, the dialogues and even most of the songs are in Polish. Only the last song over the end credits is in the English original. A funny, brief post-credit completes the story and is worth waiting for.  

הנה אנחנו (HERE WE ARE) 

Watchable. Having attended several Jewish film festivals, I associated Israeli cinema with basically three topics: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Holocaust and the orthodox community. This one is different. While the subject of taking care of an autistic son would be niche elsewhere, in this case it makes the Israeli movie versatile. And does so very humanely. It shows how a special care person is a clog in the machinery of the social welfare system which is heart-wrenching and disturbing at times. The father and son road trip is beautiful but tear-jerking. All the parts are perfectly acted so the movie tugs on your heartstrings. In spite of a satisfactory ending, it leaves you despondent.

H IS FOR HAPPINESS

Watchable. Enjoyable music, vivid colours, unmistakably Aussie vistas hold together a shambolic plot where kids, however smart, are gullible. That may be psychologically true but a girl trying to mend her extended family relations is both silly and already overused in the world of fiction. Also, it's a set of pieces which are forced to fit the puzzle - they appear so disconnected. A nice little post-credit completes the movie. 

Reviewed from screeners, cinematic reception might differ.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

Recommended. It follows in the footsteps of "The Hunting Ground" - an acclaimed documentary which failed to make real-life impact. This fictitious tale is looking to break new ground, taking off the heavy tones and turning an authentic issue into a sassy thriller. Music is integral to the "Promising Young Woman"'s appeal. The movie boasts Atmos sound which enriches the music even in an ordinary theatre. Light pop songs in the like of "It's Raining Men" clash with Cassandra's (the protagonist's mythical name's certainly not accidental) peculiar hobby - as it seems at first. Carey Mulligan is fantastic as the lead. Her hairstyles, costumes, make-up play a role too. Speaking of visuals, certain scene makes you wonder if it's blood or sauce on her leg, hand and blouse. This attractive flick, made by women: produced by Margot Robbie, written and directed by Emerald Fennell explicitly demonstrates a number of stereotypes people fall victim of, implicates everyone and turns the tables - it's social psychology served as a saucy dish. There are quite a few surprises along the way and an unconventional final solution. 

My first visit to a cinema since the recent thawing out the economy in Poland was great: most people wore masks properly during the screening but I had also purchased an FFP2 mask which made it easier not to worry about those who obnoxiously disregarded the pandemic precautions. Even in the middle of a week day the cinema was largely filled with an audience so the industry is on the best way to recover. Also, a surrounding 5.1 sound was like a balm on my deprived ears.

A TUBA TO CUBA

Watchable. What it's about isn't clear but it's attractive. A random assembly of professionally shot, colourful views of New Orleans and Cuba, wonderful tap dancing sound effects, conga music, jazz and comments by musicians. Kind of a tribute to instrumentalists paying tribute to their African ancestors and one particular musician's family heritage story. The documentary assumes you have background knowledge of New Orleans jazz and that you can recognize urban shots from both regions - I couldn't, only the language would sometimes indicate to me whether it's Cuba or the south of the US. Pleasant but haywire.

Reviewed online, cinematic reception might differ.

ΜΕΛΑ (APPLES)

Recommended. The Greek production is austere but engaging, something you find in this country's cinema often. The set-up is perversely familiar and relatable. When you hear that there's "no cure" and that "no one has returned to their previous life" it sounds very much like pandemic experiences. But here the disease affecting the whole society - the ill and the healthy alike - is amnesia. The science-fiction set-up is played out as a psychological drama. At some point you realize someone has a secret. The ending reveals the reason for the deception. Smartly scripted. Convincingly acted. Thought-provoking and truly original.

PROSTE RZECZY (SIMPLE THINGS)

Switched off. Why would I watch such boring people living their empty life? Both the family and the makers look scruffy, as if they've never heard of a comb and they have a toddler who is no more disgusting than the neglected adults are. An amateurish production throughout.

SLUZOBNICI (SERVANTS)

Watchable. The Slovak offering tries very hard to imitate the Polish "Zimna wojna" ("Cold War") with an element of "Kler" ("Clergy"). It's high contrast black and white, set during the Cold War and a priest protagonist ran over someone when drunk. The main plot, however, is far from the Polish hits. The Slovak one deals with the Church forced to collaborate with communist authorities. But the movie drags awfully. Never mind meticulous cinematography, e.g. a spiral staircase looking like a fossil snail shell, a white steamy bathroom or an air shot of priests playing footie resembling crows. It's style over substance.

A METAMORFOSE DOS PASSAROS (THE METAMORPHOSIS OF BIRDS)

Switched off. The opening shocks you with a close-up of a face. But what follows are musings in a narrative form which don't translate well to the screen. It's Portuguese and their movies tend to be slow. So that completes the ruin of the picture. 

Reviewed from online screeners but the movies are being released at cinemas today.

BLOOD MACHINES

Recommended. Stunning visuals by writer-producer Seth Ickerman: mind-blowing CGIs, real life acting, including a hot male lead (Anders Heinrichsen), and rotoscoped naked women are complemented by awe-inspiring electro music by Carpenter Brut. Story-wise it's the #metoo rebellion on a cosmic scale. Unusual but mostly worth for the sensual pleasures of this 50-minute sci-fi video clip.

Reviewed from an online screener but I bet it'll be even better on aa big screen with cinema quality sound.

THE LOVE WITCH

Recommended. A totally female-made, entirely late-60s/early-70s-style, 2016-produced, Technicolor imitation. The costumes, make-up, hair-styling, cinematography and music are astonishing in the re-enaction of the bygone era. Skillfully shot, with always enough and never too much nudity. The 1977 version of "Suspiria" came to my mind in visual terms,"Barbarella" (1968) in terms of the female protagonist's provocative feminism sexy adventures. "Midsommar" (2019) appears to have been inspired by the scene where the couple are crowned at a Midsommar festivity which harks back to medieval times but those possible two-way pop culture inspirations and references stay on the margins of this original film. The visual fest, on a deeper level, is about the inability to attain love. And about all sorts of other relationship mishaps. Partly comical, partly criminal, thoroughly mysterious and alluring with the colours and shapes. The movie has enchanted me.

ROBIN'S WISH

Recommended. Touching from early minutes and tear-jerking even if you haven't been that big a fan, informative both about Robin Williams as a person and as an actor and about his disease: Lewy body dementia. The story takes you to and fro over his lifetime in a perfectly lucid way. Expectedly, it's a tribute to the man loved worldwide but also a documentary which puts you right into his disease, inside his paining consciousness. By the end, you've understood the film opening with Robin's disconnected speech about the human mind.

SLALOM

Watchable. Engaging but disturbing - it often feels like watching child porn. Noée Abita, known from "Ava", is now 21 but still looks underage. I just felt disgusted with the film message. The only truly impressive moment was in the end credits mimicking snow blown in one direction as if you were riding down a slope.

Apart from the movie as such, I felt both envious and uplifted seeing that a minor can walk into a pharmacy and get the day-after pill over the counter in France.

Reviewed from online screeners but the movies will be on at cinemas this (Valentine) weekend. Cinema returns with a bang.

SYMETRIA (SYMMETRY) (2003) - ONLINE

Watchable. The most iconic of Konrad Niewolski's films makes for compelling viewing and is superbly performed. Set in prison - consulted with experts so I trust its realism. Unlike his later productions, this one lacks an astonishing twist of action. In fact, it's not clear where the story's going and the film fails to answer many of the questions it poses. There's a thin line between a movie being ambiguous and being incomplete. 

HUMAN DOC VOD

Available free of charge (with a handful of brief commercials to watch) and with no time restrictions. For me, a chance to see the documentaries I didn't manage to fit into my festival schedules.

CHAO (LANDLESS) (2019)

Switched off. This Brazilian documentary traipses activist farmers, presenting virtually each discussion, every work they do, but without providing full context. It drags. 

PRZYJAZN W CIENIU KREMLA. JUTRO UKRAINA (FRIENDSHIP IN THE SHADOW OF THE KREMLIN. TOMORROW UKRAINE) (2018)

Recommended. First Georgia, then Ukraine, then the Baltic states and next Poland? Ukraine has come after Georgia. Curiously, Russins first arrived as "tourists" and "politicians" to research the ground. Putin, described by Saakashvili as "a faggot and a killer", is ruthless: the war that has been going on in the Donetsk region since 2015, is particularly brutal: outrageous tortures - sometimes by bloodthirsty criminals, sometimes structured by professionals who would even call and ambulance to bring a man back from clinical death a few times only to torture him further, unspeakable public opinion manipulation - 3 days can change a person's reputation by 180 degrees. The film presents so harrowing an account of tortures I was grateful for the VOD commercials since they took the weight of this heavy subject breaking the film a few times. 

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

Luckily the festival was extended until 1 January so then I managed to see the last movie. A number of films, though not the one below, are available again - till 17 January.

BAAMUM NAFI (NAFI'S FATHER)

Recommended. This smalltown family drama soon turns into a political thriller as Islam clashes with radicalism. Colourful traditional attire contrasts with white or black outfits worn by the extremists - quite apt, isn't it? For them, everything is black or white. It's basically the topic known from "Timbuktu" with engaging action and suspense - it plays out like a good thriller.

While this edition of the festival was varied, covering several African regions and topics, the number of dance films stood out - a few documentaries and an excellent dance scene in an actors' one. The mojeekino.pl platform finally worked fairly smoothly - the first festival there without a stutter. As for subtitles, when you could pick English only, they were big on black background, perfectly legible, while when both Polish and English showed at the same time, they were white and yellow and much smaller - impossible to watch from a distance. The sound volume of movie files differed a lot - some were too quiet to watch without subtitles, some were just fine, some were really loud so I needed to turn them down.

The ending of 2020 was so packed with festivals I needed to sleep it off. So below are movies still from those events:

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

NAIROBI HALF LIFE

Watchable. An enjoyable crime drama with so many humorous scenes and lines you could take it for a comedy if it weren't for a more serious final act. The plot's rooted in real life. The city is dubbed Nairobbery for a reason. A friend of mine was once lifted up in the air by a few thugs who robbed her off. In the film, once a wannabe actor arrives in Nairobi, a few thugs lift him up to shake out his cash and precious objects. In another scene, a mugged chap is running after the robbers who, suddenly, turn back and shout "mwizi!" ("thief!") pointing at the victim - I haven't heard of such a trick but it appears plausible. The non-crime layer attempts at conveying a deeper message, e.g.: "it is a choice: to look or to look away" as he utters on the stage but dwells on ambivalence: acting saves his life but doesn't save him from a life of crime. 

AU TEMPS OU LES ARABES DANSAIENT (WHEN ARABS DANCED)

Watchable. The documentary had better be titled "When Muslims Enjoyed Sensuality" since Persians are not Arabs and the film covers the Muslim outlook on the body extensively, mostly dealing with nudity in a number of contexts rather than dancing. That's probably for a reason since a dancer is almost a synonym of "a whore" in the Islamic culture. We hear of a case when a marriage proposal was rejected by a bride's family when they googled up the groom's mother's job. At the same time, the Egyptian dance instructor remarks: "Islam teaches to glide through life and be light in your step and this is dance." In a performance rehearsal, a man recites the shahada naked - that still makes him Muslim but would cause an outrage in the audience. On the other hand, you learn that a few decades ago the idea that all Egyptian women should wear hijabs was ridiculed. Still, the documentary is overtalked. It shows some beautiful dance but too little. The whole thing is humdrum. 

A TASTE OF OUR LAND

Recommended. Quite an actioner but also a moral tale about gold which corrupts everyone. The ore gets filthy twice - through faeces but is also thrown into water - which symbolically purifies it. Numerous parties are implicated: corporations, the police, all foreigners, the Church. Camerawork and playing with space skillfully demonstrate how a protagonist stands up hence assumes the position of power but the Chinese man walks around his house like he owns it. Beautiful local music - joyful at the beginning and sad at the end. A proof that a low budget movie with the right script and actors, especially Peter Kye as the Chinese man, can deliver great emotions and suspense.

SOFTIE

Watchable. The film starts with a bang and bloody omens, then loses momentum to pick it up in the finale. Kenya is a country corrupt to the core. Cambridge Analytica is the least of their election problems since voters are routinely bribed even right outside polling stations, in fact, they come in droves just to earn cash, in 2017, the head of the country's digital voting system was murdered 8 days before the voting and his hands were chopped off probably to use his fingerprints biometrics to rig the results, last but not least, opposition candidates' voters were shot at and tear gas was released on them. The violence and killings continued for months. The winning opposition candidate in the meantime made a deal with the ruling party's leader ignoring those who had died for his win. With such material, it's only a shame the documentary is full-length with the middle filled with too much footage of the candidate's family. At least the campaign songs have catchy tunes.

LA NUIT DES ROIS (NIGHT OF THE KINGS)

Watchable. The night when kings come and go is a case of style over substance. This Ivorian offering is based round the tradition of oral literature passed on by griots. It's different from European storytelling. Also in the film, there's more interaction with the audience: the listeners answer the griot's questions, repeat verses, enact them - according to the tradition of West Africa. The storyline derives from the legend of Sheherezade but in a prison setting - original but the story the boy tells truly only buys him time and takes viewers' since it's inconsistent and sketchy. Songs are scarce but melodious.

POPPIE NONGENA

Recommended. Pure perfection: a Xhosa woman's personal account of the Soweto clearing. Superbly acted and shot. A simple yet powerful story, with exquisite songs in Xhosa.

KATI KATI

Recommended again. Captivating from frame one. Mystery pervades the whole film. This climate is achieved through the use of just one location as well as appropriate cinematography, costumes and make-up. Gradually, you learn how the protagonists leave the place and why they are at the spot but not why they arrive there at different times or why the time runs differently. A pool-side song says: "we never know till we try" which is true off-screen as well. Music-wise, drum beat at the basketball game is fun. 

The film captions often read: "(eerie sounds continue)" or "(electronic music)" but little of the music was audible. Still, it doesn't detract from this captivating tale.

AR CONDICIONADO (AIR CONDITIONER)

Switched off. Artsy. Starts with dictionary definitions of "air" and "conditioning", next come high-contrast black and white stills of the makers and the movie pretext is air conditioners falling down and killing people all of Luanda. The ingenious idea is wasted through the plot: the characters mostly ramble through derelict buildings or stare for minutes at a time. I just didn't have Angolan patience. Especially that the ambience was created by awful jazz music.

PARA LA DOS MEUS PASSOS (BEYOND MY STEPS)

Watchable. Surprisingly tiring for a dance documentary. The Angolan dancers are superb, shame they act in such over intellectualised performances. Too much theatricality as opposed to dancing, also philosophy pervaded the interviews. In that detached way, they talk about their professional development and you hear how the city takes its toll on the countryside boys. Hectic city life is juxtaposed with the beauty and tranquillity of Angolan nature. You can admire the dancers' impressive muscles. Though horror-like choreography in a derelict building is far from enticing.

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LOSING ALASKA

Switched off. A very close look at just one village and it's a full-length film where each part of the village is shown several times and everyone gets a say - American democratic style of documentary-shooting, so you hear everyone grumble one after another. Could be cut short to 5 minutes with no loss of actual information.

RUCH LODU (ICE MOTION: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MELTING ARCTIC)

Watchable. Pleasant cinematography offers sweeping Arctic vistas. You learn important facts, e.g. that a 10 degree Celsius temperature rise in Svalbard by 2100 is very likely and that melting polar regions will change oceanic currents unpredictably. But even though it's short, too much time is devoted to technicalities of such research.

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AMAZONIA

Recommended again. The monkey lead protagonist is all cuteness. Swathes of the forest, meanders of the river and phenomenal close-ups on rarely seen animals, e.g. anteaters. Also a swimming sloth, pink dolphins, a leopard shaking off water - pure beauty of nature. 

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ПРИБОЙ (SURF SIBERIA)

Recommended. Not for the surfing since it's no Australia, you get higher breakers outside Siberia. But the vistas of the Arctic, including winter ones, are mind-blowing. And the woman talking about what it feels like and how she was anxious before she started feels so genuine and un-heroic.

The whole festival was well-organized. One-off evening screenings kept me disciplined but allowed for flexibility with start times and for pausing. The audio and subtitles were usually up to scratch. The selection of recent movies was excellent - geographically and topic-wise. Many were of top quality too. Some films were available freely during the whole festival which let me see everything I wanted. I only skipped old documentaries because the world and the polar regions have changed too much over decades rendering the information out-of-date.

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RAOUL TABURIN

Recommended. A delightful tale about a peculiar village and individuals. Good-humoured.

I found time for just two films on Camerimage Dzieciom offer - both were perfect in every way. I only regret it ended so soon.

I saw 364 movies in 2020 in total - counting only cinema ones and those which would have had cinema releases had it not been for the lockdown.

20 YEARS OF WATCH DOCS - ONLINE

TYSIAC TOG (A THOUSAND ROBES) (2020)

Recommended. A 12-minute film on the Polish judges' protest against dismantling the rule of law in the country. Judges, both Polish and from other European nations, explain the current governmental decisions will affect the nation for generations and stress the risk the protesting law professionals are taking. Profoundly touching.

THE WORK (2017)

Switched off. You follow group psychotherapy sessions filled with therapy jargon i.e. "being in the place", "holding" or "letting out" emotions.

上访 (PETITION) (2009)

Watchable. China from an unusual perception: a decade of filing petitions with a central institution to complain about human rights violations. The petitions all fall on deaf ears and the petitioners are frequently beaten up on authorities' orders or locked up in psychiatric wards where new drugs are tested on them against their will. It's a peculiar situation since the authorities have created the institution but then they threaten the people who seek justice this way. The film shows how it ruins people's lives, families, how they spend years camping and living like homeless people in order for their complaint to be heard. When a woman running from henchmen hired by those authorities fell under a train, the gathered just collected her body parts without manifesting any shock or emotions. A totally dehumanising system. The film is a bit hard to understand at times. Shot by a Chinese who might have assumed everyone knows what is discussed.

S21. LA MACHINE DE MORT KHMERE ROUGE (S21: THE KHMER ROUGE DEATH MACHINE) (2003)

Recommended. Blood-chilling but explains the whole machinery: how the guards tortured and killed because a refusal to obey an order equalled immediate death and how they would lie to the prisoners about where they were taking them or their children to prevent protests when in fact they were about to kill them. Lots of gruesome detail but each harrowing account is followed by a quiet moment so the viewer's tension doesn't accumulate.

The post-festival VOD section was highly interesting and comprised of a selection of hand-picked documentaries on human rights issues from all over the world, scarily a few from Poland. The viewing quality varied, especially with older films. The greatest hindrance, though, was the fact they were interrupted by commercials a few times. A fair deal, the films were free, but the foreign ones had so many breaks it discouraged from watching.

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

PETIT PAYS (SMALL COUNTRY: AN AFRICAN CHILDHOOD)

Recommended. Based on facts. Set in Burundi and Rwanda at the onset of the civil war in 1994. Brings the events home. Not very graphic, apart from two dead bodies on the road, more are mentioned in a conversation ("100 000", "no sidewalk free"). Mid-way through the story, a wedding gathering turns into a black and white photograph. On the emotional level, for the first hour children frolic, dance, enjoy good weather. The second hour tugs on your heartstrings. Fine performances all around: all the children, Jean-Paul Rouve and Isabelle Kabano as their parents and everyone else. 

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NOTRE-DAME DU NIL (OUR LADY OF THE NILE)

Watchable. Based on the novel of the same title by Scholastique Mukasonga, it depicts life in a school for girls run by nuns in Rwanda in 1973 which serves both to present the theory of black pharaohs and a hypothesis they may have been Tutsis as well as the beginnings of discriminatory practices, e.g. a 10% quota for Tutsis as students. The story of a Hutu schoolgirl's envy against Tutsi girls and their intrigue leading to a pogrom is engaging, finely acted and shot. Only the ending referring to the situation in the whole country seems far-fetched. It looks as if one girl caused a pogrom and a subsequent bloody war. Combining a girl's novel with politics detracts from the gravity of the story. I wonder what made the producers pick the novel rather than the writer's memoirs, i.e. "Cockroaches" - that would be entirely truthful hence would make more sense. 

W POLSKIM OBIEKTYWIE 

4 Polish short documentaries:

TOURING CLUB DE CATASTROPHE

Watchable. Grainy footage of tourism and colonial times, French-accent English-language voiceover - probably referring to the two largest colonizers of the continent - and excerpts of sociodemographic theories which sound so abstract they can prove any theory in the absence of evidence. The opening is confusing - who is writing for who? A bizarre artistic vision and a discourse which can be seen both as a stance for racial equality and as a proclamation of colonization as a natural phenomenon.

ALL ON A MARDI GRASS DAY

Watchable. An ex-junkie talks about Fat Thursday sounding high. Partly a tale of history when runaway slaves were given shelter by Indians and hence now keep paying tribute to them via their Indian-inspired Mardi Gras costumes: lots of plumes and embroidered with smaller or bigger beads, a new costume every year, sewn all days long. Also a story of overcoming one's drug addiction. The area's ridden with drug dealers and kids with no fathers. Also some talk on the gentrification of some wards of New Orleans. Informative but unpleasant to listen to the raspy voice of an uneducated local due to the junkie voice timbre, a huge number of language mistakes and a hard accent. His chants on Mardi Gras sound the same.

The translation into Polish is poor at times.

JESTEM Z DOUMGA (I AM FROM DOUMGA)

Watchable. A personal account of a warm-hearted Senegalese who, after studies in Poland, went on to live in the country and is even on a town council. He talks about how much help he received in the past somewhat downplaying his own skills which made him win one competition after another, whether to get to a Polish university or to land a civil servant job. He presents his Polish and Senegalese extended family. Nothing new culture-wise but he's such a jovial man it was pleasant to hear his life story.

I'm skipping "Kiedy zabraknie ryb" ("Stolen Fish") which I saw at Watch Docs and wrote about earlier this month. 

OBLICZA AFRYKI - AFROSZORTY

8 short films:

WARD'S HENNA PARTY

Watchable. The first half resembled an ethnographic documentary on Egyptian weddings and I wondered why I'd be interested in some stranger's wedding in the first place. But the second half highlights the culture where a man enters a woman's room without knocking, takes half her gift money and, with women's approval and beats up a female henna painter and depicts discrimination against the Sudanese. And it turns out to be an actors' film.

CALL ME NEGUINHO

Watchable. A brief impressionistic documentary on being a Cape Verdean. The protagonist mentions having spent half his life on emigration as well as the slave past of Cabo Verde. You get glimpses of capoeira and the island. That's it. Nothing is shown to support his claims about how the past has affected him, instead he showcases his daughter. The film also doesn't tell you anything you wouldn't have known otherwise.

DA YIE (GOOD NIGHT)

Watchable. The beginning with children playing was uninspiring. When a stranger, from outside Ghana, treats them to lunch and other attractions, it becomes intriguing, even more so, when he makes an unsettling phone call. The ending fails to clarify what it was all about.

COSMOTO

Watchable. Visually attractive, with great editing and an impressive story of soldiers fighting poachers in Zambia. Looks like a promotional video since it highlights their prowess, courage, endurance - not everyone manages to complete the training. Shame this short documentary overlooks to explain why a poacher turns into a wildlife protector. Still, it leaves you grateful such people exist. With the way it's shot, it reminds me of "Rambo" and of how that American feature altered the perception of war veterans by the society. This film should do the same to the attitude to forest guards. 'cause they are heroes.

TIMOUN AW (YOUR KID)

Watchable. A humorous tale of a smalltime Guadeloupean drug-dealer who finds a baby with a message it's his. Engaging but I've seen several films with a similar storyline from all over the world. An iguana on a roof and sugar cane juice are the only special attractions.

KARINGANA: OS MORTOS NAO CONTAM ESTORIAS (THE DEAD TELL NO TALES)

Watchable. A tribute to those who lost their spirits, while still alive, in the Mozambican war. Black and white, slightly poetic, solemn yet superficial. No mention of what happened at war or to the people's psyche afterwards. 

RASTA

Watchable. I only waited to see what happens next. But this excessively expressive film consists of a simple story and erratic actions, the conversation with the killed rebel's mother is pure nonsense, especially: "Maybe they wouldn't join rebels if they had a mother like you." Plain stupid. I only give it credit for bringing the Ivory Coast rebellion to attention. 

KAUNAPAWA (INVISIBLES)

Watchable. Picture-perfect shots mix with ordinary ones in this Namibian poetic vision of departing.

KRAINA 1000 OPOWIESCI - RWANDA

7 short films:

MUGABO

Watchable. I hated the ear-piercing high tone music. Story-wise, it's about returning to your home country after years. While you may guess the girl is a war refugee, the coming back is like from any other emigration.

I GOT MY THINGS AND LEFT

Watchable. A group of youngsters gather around the coffin of a friend who died at 27 and talks about nothing in particular. I only liked the statement that even if there is another life after this one there's no point in living preparing for it - that pretty much does away with Christianity - and the butterflies a girl has attached to her face, hair and tights. The rest just drags. 

LA MAZDA JAUNE ET LA SAINTETE (THE YELLOW MAZDA AND HIS HOLINESS)

Watchable. A documentary family memoir. Peculiar the 17-year-old girl had no objections to marrying a man much older than herself. Him being a priest at the time was the least problem. The film would suit a family video album rather than a general release if it weren't for the opening when the narrator informs an opening scene speaks of the author's soul.

IBIHOZO (ROCKABYE)

Watchable. A black and white tale of a prostitute coping with her son's suffering from bullying triggered by her profession. Could be set anywhere in the world.

TORMENT

Watchable. A full-colour mock interview with a prostitute. She also has a little boy. Engaging, at the end you get to know why the young man questions her. Still, nothing I wouldn't have heard before.

WAITING

Watchable. A simple story which plays with your idea which waiting is meant in the title. Ingenious ending. But the wait for the finale feels lengthy.

LUNA

Watchable. A protracted short film about children of the street who have run from domestic violence. The story makes sense, just feels too long.

The Rwandan films show the current standard of living matches European, they have access to the same technologies too. They only have no clue how to build a story.

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PLAY SCHENGEN

Watchable. A humorous short mockumentary on the EU by Gunhild Enger from Norway. I didn't laugh but the scenes reflect the problems with communication within the structure and with the policy on border control. Clever. And yes, it does explain the institution pretty well.

The film was awfully quiet but at least had big subtitles.

BLOCK OF ANIMATIONS

THE BEAST

Watchable. This Swedish pottery doll variation on Kafka's "Metamorphosis" by Marlene Rusk focuses on psychological aspects of the metamorphosis for the guy on the receiving end and his family. Not much of a story or depth though. The dolls and house decor are plain ugly.

FREEZE FRAME

Switched off. Black and white Finnish short film by Soetkin Forstegen. Workers cut out ice blocks in which various animals run which you see as if via X-ray. Nonsensical and boring.

TIGER

Watchable. The Danish offering by Pernille Kjaer uses colours for elements of the jungle and humans and black, white, grey, beige hues for the rest. The story of people's attitudes to nature and its revenge on humans is presented in a weird way. I also didn't like the drawings much.

ON AMBITION, COURTSHIP AND PROCREATION

Switched off. Geometric forms in the Danish film by Pernille Kjaer imitate mostly penis movements and a sexual intercourse. Simplistic and vulgar.

KUHINA

Switched off. This Finnish film by Jonni Männistö is about a fat kid killing animals and making fun of it. Lots of swarming insects complete the picture. Couldn't stand it visually and plot-wise. 

NOTHING HAPPENS

Watchable. Another Finnish one. This one, by Michelle and Uri Kranot, is a highly skilled artistic depiction of people surrounded by wintry nature in a park. It looks like paintings. The tale is tongue-in-cheek since gawpers gather to watch crows and not listen to baskers. The bluish palette suits the season. I didn't like the music - sounds Klezmer.

THE BUREAUCRACY MONSTER

Watchable. All I can make of it is that the Norwegian director, Thomas Simonsen Balmbra, hates paperwork. The monster is trully disgusting. The picture is weird.

ENOUGH

Watchable. This 2-minute Swedish doll short by Anna Mantzaris depicts a series of situations where people have had enough. Of various things, e.g. a beard, a baby, waiting for a bus etc. Smart. Simplistic dolls.

All the animations were short: from 2 to 12 minutes. 

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

NDOTO ZA ELIBIDI (THE DREAMS OF ELIBIDI)

Watchable. Neither did I find the comedy amusing, nor do I need explanation about AIDS transmission but the educational performance had an engaging storyline so I kept watching to see what would happen to the characters. Also the form of the film is unusual since the action jumps from the stage onto the city (Nairobi) locations and back seamlessly. And the look on the faces of the local audience makes you appreciate the initiative: education through entertainment appears to hit the bull's eye. Decent music, I particularly liked the song over the end credits.

THE SOUND OF MASKS

Switched off. Haywire commentary, additionally in a dull voice and with plenty of pausing. Nothing pretty in the mask dance either. Also, I didn't learn anything new from this documentary.

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

BUDDHA IN AFRICA

Recommended. A shocking documentary about a Chinese organization collecting orphaned boys from all over Malawi in order to provide them with a future, Asian way. Training kung fu, teaching Chinese and Chinese culture: playing instruments, making tofu, Buddhism - all Chinese way: extensively and intensively, using corporal punishment. To the boys it's both a chance of them to "civilize Africa" in the future but also a risk of forgetting their own language. When you hear their Chinese and see astonishing kung-fu performances, it's obvious it works, they also receive a clear education path bankrolled by sponsors. But the organization overtly speaks about their colonial plans to set up an ACC centre in every African country and boasts of the number of Mandarin speakers bound to surpass that of English speakers worldwide. The film's attractive to watch - bright colours are typical for both cultures.

OF GOOD REPORT

Recommended. Not only is it top-notch noir, the film, in Xhosa mixed with English, also plays with the genre. The lead character utters no word. Certain situations are repeated slightly altered in a different context, e.g. pulling knickers down or up, schoolgirls finding Nolitha in the bathroom or the use of the bat. The movie's quite erotic but extremely brutal - the story combines Eros and Thanatos and both get graphic. The girl's name sounds like Lolita and in the final scene the eponymous book is being closed by the librarian. The sequence of events isn't chronological but is cut perfectly and unambiguously. A masterpiece. The movie's black and white. Ingeniously, a little red man silhouette is dancing to the music accompanying the end credits.

BEYOND MOVING

Recommended. The documentary charts Siphe November's road from Zolani in Western Cape, SA to a ballet school in Canada and touring the world. He's been talented since early years, incredibly muscled already at 11 and by the age of 17 he achieved a mind-blowing softness of movement. His dancing mesmerises and touches to the core. I only have to correct the protagonist - song "Malaika" doesn't originate in South Africa but in East Africa, it's in Swahili. As for languages, he also mentions he can't speak his native Xhosa fluently any more. 

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MIHKEL

Recommended. A harrowing story of a drug mule, based on facts. It's tense and intense, which is magnified by fantastic cinematography by Tómas Örn Tómasson. Each setting is emphasised: shabbiness, luxury, feeling blue, each mood and place has its different visuals - the director of photography made full use of his exquisite skills. Perfect make-up presents stages of sickness and death. The script covers all details of the case. Fine performances all around. I didn't expect much of an Estonian-Icelandic co-production but it's superb. And makes use of Estonian and Icelandic landscapes too. 

Shame the film had such tiny subtitles.

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

KANARIE (CANARY)

Watchable. About a musically skilled gay draftee. A silly story, with barely comprehensible dialogues about religion, the army and South Africa of 1985. In Afrikaans which slightly helps to get which point of view it is. The enactions of pop hits of the time are better. Too little music and dress-ups though. Too much crazy acting up. Apartheid is mentioned once, for no particular reason since it's not race that's an issue in this gay movie. It dabbles in several matters but doesn't delve into any, not even homosexuality - even the main topic is treated superficially. I love Culture Club but the two songs are recycled in the movie with no adequate finale. In fact, the ending is so flat it disappoints. As for the movie structure, the division into chapters is pointless. The highlight is the ringing bikers scene and the following dance in the barracks is superb: the expression, the choreography, lighting. Wow!

SEW THE WINTER TO MY SKIN

Switched off. Lots of violence and, with the action jumping to and fro, no consistent storyline. It's a bloody mess. One catchy and funny song, "The Zulu Warrior" by Marais, doesn't save the movie. Also, with racial issues at the core, a shallow adventure flick seems inappropriate.

LA PROCHAINE FOIS QUE JE VIENDRAI AU MONDE (IN ANOTHER LIFE)

Watchable. A documentary about children of the street in Burundi and their lives as adults. Black, purplish, grey palette - almost unnatural for Africa though reflecting the gloomy subject. The boys - later self-conscious men in their 30s - have simple needs. A truly touching moment is when they put on suits and try another life. Uncertain how many they were at first - five? Three remain, two are mentioned die. Unemotional but hard-hitting anyway. Flat narration, philosophical so it's hard to feel for them no matter how much sympathy you have. You hear how authorities and the police treat them and learn that cigarettes masked the smell of their unwashed bodies and hear of their problems with alcohol. But is their homelessness that different from this predicament elsewhere? For a bigger part, the film could be set anywhere in the world.

I've finally started watching this year's festival and I'm upset. I was refused media patronage because the organizers' policy was not to work with blogs and I've just seen other blogs on the patrons' list, none of them in English, while this event attracts a number of foreigners. All movies are barely audible, especially dialogues. The website technical help section doesn't seem to work at night when it's the easiest to watch or on festive days. While I'm happy the first two films had big English subtitles on black background, the third had them too small and whether white or yellow not always legible from a distance. 

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КИТОБОЙ (THE WHALER BOY) 

Recommended. A teenage boy from Lorino in Chukotka falls in love with a Detroit online stripper and sets off on a journey to America. It's Russian cinema at its best because this setting provides grounds for a sublime story of teenage dreams and of an impossible love. Violent acts conceal a troubled soul. It also tells about friendship and family. The humorous character of a dying grandpa is brilliant. Wonderful cinematography, deserving a bigger screen, provides a display of mesmerising tundra, often in dimmed, polar light, but also a memorable view of a whale cemetery. Even whale intestines are fascinating instead of revolting as you might expect. The ambiguous ending makes full use of cinematographic means as well. The soundtrack emphasizes the American dream. A gem. 

20 YEARS OF WATCH DOCS - ONLINE

POTOMKOWIE CYWILIZACJI LACINSKIEJ (2020)

Recommended. A chance to see Polish nationalists' marches of 2016, 2018, 2020 up close from a safe distance. The film takes on a satirical tone in the opening, when the marching men kind of dance to the soundtrack and in the ending. The documentary shows how the Independence Marches started as events uniting football supporters of different teams and how they drew rightist fathers teaching children their vision of patriotism and how the events transformed, first attracting nuns and the same men chanting Catholic slogans, an extreme rightist party, Konfederacja, leader and how violence escalated year after year. 

7-MY SIERPNIA (AUGUST THE 7TH) (2020)

Recommended. Deeply touching. Within 30 minutes it presents the situation of the LGBT people in Poland - from what it was before the rule of Law and Justice until now. And it's appalling how the police handle them and how politicians and the Church brainwash straight people, including old ladies, into violence against gays.

NI HAO HOLLAND (2015)

Recommended. Following two Chinese women's trip to a little Dutch town, the film shows Europe in Chinese eyes - fresh air and gardens of a small town where people know each other are juxtaposed with an overpopulated, congested Chinese city of large grey blocks of flats. The ladies are conscious tourists and the short film, incorporating also citizens', politicians' and hospitality workers' attitudes, showcases mass tourism in a nutshell. Entertaining and some food for thought.

AFRYKAMERA ONLINE

The festival runs online only from 21 to 30 December. I've seen "You Will Die at 20", "The Cursed Ones", "Kati Kati", "Liyana", "Supa modo", "Comboio de Sal e Açucar" ("The Train of Salt and Sugar") at earlier editions of Afrykamera and Polish short "Stolen Fish" at this year's Watch Docs and have reviewed them here before. I'm planning on seeing amazing "Kati kati" again. 14 other full-length movies, 3 short film sets of 19 films together (minus "Stolen Fish") and 6 classics (plus "Kati kati" again) await me. I'm also on the short film jury so I'll have to watch those particularly carefully, maybe twice.

STOLEN FISH Q&A

The director was going to research reasons for migration from Africa for an NGO. 30% of Gambian GDP comes from tourism and the fish supply affects that as well. Gosia Juszczak, director of the Polish short, lives in Spain where there are many immigrants from Gambia, Senegal and other countries with numerous Chinese fish factories. Emilia Plaskota's view is that the government is gullible. After 20 years of dictatorship now they've invested lots of trust in foreign investment. At best they'll impose fines which, for global corporations, amount to peanuts. The only regulations on fish powder production have to do with product quality, nothing to do with workers' rights or environmental issues. Fish powder is used in factory farming as animal fodder so that's an underlying issue as well.

OM DET OANDLIGA (ABOUT ENDLESSNESS)

Watchable. Each shot looks like a painting. While the movie's in greyish-brownish hues, the shades of grey and brown vary, making it very artistic. The film consists of a series of separate scenes, mostly with one line, sometimes repeated, each and a few minute break when you can ponder on the meaning while admiring the still photo, since the picture more often than not freezes, or watch a long blackout - less inspiring. Most scenes depict situations with no way out. The film's as philosophical as "En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron" ("A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence") and even some sets are re-used. The only problem is the lack of a consistent plot and prolonged images may make you drift away.

The movie on mojeekino.pl ran fairly smoothly, was perfectly audible and had large subtitles on black background.

20 YEARS OF WATCH DOCS - ONLINE

10 films are available free of charge till 30th December. I saw "Framing the Other" in 2012 and posted a note about it then.

JUSTICA (JUSTICE) (2004)

Watchable. A microcosm of Rio: a slick courtroom or lawyers' houses or cars contrast with dark overcrowded prisons, where the human congestion reminds of concentration camps with the difference of cooking utensils (right in those overcrowded cells) and without cruelty, and with favelas, well-fed judges preside over hungry petty thieves. The work of justice is futile since the big fish never get caught and the brutal police are feared more in the society than drug dealers. The portrait of Brazil is clear both in terms of words and taking into account cinematography. The film is unemotional, doesn't evoke feelings in the viewer, just like it doesn't in judges. The documentary is informative but deprived of hope or emotion, just like the system. Seems mechanical.

NO BURQAS BEHIND BARS (2012)

Recommended. A reverse reality: helpful, family-like prison wardens and vengeful husbands at large, liberty behind bars and constant vigilance at home. Women who fear leaving prison. And certain Javid who I'd love to beat up with my own hands - just wait till the end and you'll understand. Afghanistan: women sentenced for years of prison for running from home - before being forcefully married off - or running from their husbands. The reversal of what we perceive right and wrong makes their situation so absurd it's on the verge of being funny.

The films ran perfectly smoothly, were audible and had big subtitles, unfortunately white ones on often light backgrounds.

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TELLIER SEBASTIEN, BEAUCOUP DE VIES (SEBASTIEN TELLIER: MANY LIVES)

Watchable. A documentary about a bum's sudden rise to fame. Various terms are used for his music. I'd call it psychedelic electro pop for its sound, the gig and video clip visuals are typical for the genre too. He's a disgusting, fat drunk and junkie. But one with a flair for music and a never-serious demeanour. Which leads me to think how much we value entertainment that we bankroll someone's debauchery. Not that it's even mentioned in the documentary. No, this one just charts his rise from his couch potato state to tours round the world, playing at a Karl Lagerfeld fashion show, singing at Eurovision and his consecutive albums. It's overtalked. The film looks as if they decided to put any opinion about him and by him in it, whether it matters or not. His music's light, enjoyable, videos fun, but not everyone deserves a film. This guy has no personality. Or if he has one - as his jokes may imply - it doesn't show here.

IVANA CEA GROAZNICA (IVANA THE TERRIBLE)

Watchable. Ivana Mladenović has made a superficial movie about her summer holiday. Beautiful young women, sandy beaches, light blue lake, pleasant Serbian and Romanian music, a younger boyfriend and family arguments. Easy to follow but as empty as the actress's pretty head. She tells a story in spite of having nothing to say

TELLIER SEBASTIEN, BEAUCOUP DE VIES (SEBASTIEN TELLIER: MANY LIVES) DIRECTOR Q&A

First Sebastien was a character in Valenza's movie. François Valenza wasn't thinking about a documentary about him, he's not into music but became "fascinated by his character". He ended up working on the film for 8-9 years. 

IVANA CEA GROAZNICA (IVANA THE TERRIBLE) DIRECTOR Q&A

She cast her real family. She had to teach them lines but not too well so they don't pronounce them too automatically.

All festival movies run quite smoothly, most are audible and the subtitles are legible from a distance, though bigger ones would be better, just as they could do with a black background. Sadly, the quality of the films themselves is low or very low. The whole festival is skippable.

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MOTHERLAND DIRECTOR Q&A

The American-raised director is yet another director from outside our continent at the European film festival. Maybe they should name the event Both Americas in Europe? Tomas Vengris is also an alien to the movie topic. He's edited movies before and he still enjoys the cutting job. What he wanted to reflect in the film, was a strong sense of subjectivity. They wanted the boy to get accustomed to the camera so they let him just wander around. The bit in the film when the boy smells bark comes from that free wandering.

ნეგატიური ნომრები (NEGATIVE NUMBERS) 

Switched off. The Georgian feature, based on real events, tells of a prison rugby team - nothing engaging in the story, nothing attractive in the form either.

Ο ΓΙΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΣΟΦΙΑΣ (S0N OF SOFIA)

Watchable. Finally a truly engaging drama about building a patchwork family and different visions of what a family looks like. With quality cinematography and a stylish set design. On the other hand, the movie attempts to incorporate both Greek and Russian Olympics, fairy tales, theatre, the history of Sparta into the plot which enlivens the main storyline but doesn't make much sense otherwise. As for gay prostitution - too many pathologies for one movie.

ნეგატიური ნომრები (NEGATIVE NUMBERS) WRITER-DIRECTOR AND LEAD ACTOR Q&A

The rehearsals and shooting took place in an authentic prison over a month. I was impressed by how the director struggled with his English but had no qualms about asking for a word he wasn't sure of - a sign of a sincere personality.

Ο ΓΙΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΣΟΦΙΑΣ (S0N OF SOFIA) DIRECTOR Q&A

The director is a mother of an 11-year-old son herself. She had a difficult childhood but different - she was a refugee. Interestingly, she's unable to pronounce her boy-character's Russian name correctly. As for creating different imaginary layers, she just associated the fact that animals appear both in fairy tales but also as mascots of Olympic Games. On depicted pathologies: "There is no good and no bad, there is no black and white. It has to do with the point of view."

ARTEKINO FESTIVAL ONLINE

LOVE ME TENDER

Watchable. The Swiss offering goes to great lengths to present agoraphobia and some other mental disturbances but with no rhyme or reason to it. You never learn what condition(s) she actually has or why, since when, what really happened with her mother and it leads virtually nowhere. A fleeting touching moment is the reconciliation attempt by her father. The little girl, most likely representing her younger, courageous self, only adds to the disarray. It starts and ends with kind-of-dancing but it's so odd it's unattractive. The movie's just weird. 

LOVE ME TENDER DIRECTOR Q&A

Klaudia Reynicke has been into antiheroes since childhood. Apparently she finds her protagonist to be an antihero too and thinks Seconda is funny. The writer-director is Peruvian but has been living in Switzerland for years. The film's set in Ticino, where she lives. Seconda was initially written as a middle-aged woman. And yes, the little girl is a part of the protagonist.

ZENTRAL FLUGHAFEN THF (THF: CENTRAL AIRPORT)

Watchable. Yet another documentary about refugees, this one about a refugee centre based in the disused Tempelhof airport, curiously originally conceived by Hitler, now housing asylum seekers. They are safe, receive excellent medical care, even flu vaccinations. At the same time, with no work permits, they are served by Germans. Even the cleaning and cooking is done for them. Jobless, they often get lazy. The system serves no-one. The film is protracted. Just like the asylum procedure, taking more than a year. There's little voice over, a number of lengthy walking through the square sequences feel empty. But I guess that's how the protagonists feel too.

ZENTRAL FLUGHAFEN THF (THF: CENTRAL AIRPORT) DIRECTOR Q&A

Brazil- born Germany-based director didn't say anything worth citing.

BE POLAR FILM FESTIVAL ONLINE

From today till 31st December and free of charge. Some movies ara available within a 3-hour evening slot, other, mostly a few decades old documentaries, for the whole duration of the festival.

SYNDROM ZIMOWNIKOW (THE ANTARCTIC SYNDROME)

Recommended. The 3rd Polish Antarctic Expedition. About 4 decades ago. A different reality: lots of alcohol, a sex doll, killing, skinning and eating a seal - I've never been there but seriously doubt it'd be possible nowadays. On the other hand, the psychological observation, connected with a few experiments, was a milestone in group psychology and the results of the research were quickly grabbed by the Congress Library and NASA became immediately interested due to its space program. The group wintering over comprised mostly of men. I guess that's why the first deprivation they suffered was sex. Next came apathy. Then irritability, people's idiosyncrasies started triggering conflicts. In the middle of the winter it was the worst. Difficulty in concentration meant that, in spite of ample time in hand, performance decreased. The lack of stimuli led to aggression. On the other hand, I saw them skating on a little lake near the station - must be the same frozen lake I saw in photos from the station just a few days ago. It's also comforting to know that Puchalski knew he would most likely pass away in Antarctica and he wanted to die there, in his dream land. The fact, the penguins fell silent around him when he passed is some food for thought. Altogether a fascinating insight into an extraordinary place.

I have to say it's the most important documentary I've seen during the pandemic. Now I finally understand why everyone in Poland seems to have such a short fuse - it's the lockdown-induced lack of stimuli that causes aggression in people. On the other hand, I understand why so many activities are scheduled into the Antarctic station rota nowadays.

The screening went smoothly and was loud enough to watch from a distance. Only captions weren't very legible then, but you could easily make out who was who.

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КОТКА В СТЕНАТА (CAT IN THE WALL)

I was intrigued by the earlier Q&A. Unfortunately this 1 title out of 10 is unavailable in Poland.

FULL CONTACT

Watchable. Hottie Grégoire Colin in the leading role, written by equally hot David Verbeek - the guys are the primary attraction in the film and in the bonus Q&A. I couldn't understand the fascination of the film world with strippers but the Q&A justifies it for this offering. Yet the most striking visuals don't come from the strip joint. Thought out cinematography and set design take you, with clear shots, from translucent water round a white island to a dark boxing den or an airport hangar, face close-ups juxtapose distant drone views, the man and the dog's eyes shine red in the light of the fire. The storyline, focusing round a remote worker seeking close contact in several consecutive ways, feels emptish though. But, worst of all, it's hard to make out the time and place of the events, or their chronology for that matter. 

FULL CONTACT WRITER-DIRECTOR Q&A

The writer-director of the feature is fascinated by the "virtuality of our identity" - which this year has taken further. Yet this story originates from David Verbeek's findings when he conducted research on who suffered from PTSD the most: in WW2 - snipers, now - drone pilots i.e. those who are in a distance. He first wrote the story. By coincidence he had guessed most about an ex drone operator he met later. The director has been attracted to slow movies e.g. by Kubrick or Antonioni which explains the pedestrian pace of his latest creation.

SPLAT! FILM FEST ONLINE 

SHORT FILMS

DIABLA 

Watchable. While it reflects the dream of revenge after being raped, the supposed "witchcraft" seems to hurt the girl rather - judging from the blood and the actual revenge requires no magic. A sharp knife is sufficient. Poorly acted too. One thing the film succeeds in is its depiction of the machismo culture in Mexico.

AND THEN GOD LAUGHED

Recommended. Fantastic script: the protagonist is amiable, the criminal investigation is thoroughly engaging and provides good suspense, the ending is brilliant. The whole film maintains black humour. Superbly acted, especially by Jon Weintraub in the leading role. 

SYNCHRONIZACJA (SYNCHRONIZATION)

Watchable. 2084 and winter outside - optimists. The action is intriguing but what "program" Wanda has created is never revealed. What's more, the plot combines witchcraft with science which only makes it less plausible. And it's gross - all that talking about semen extraction... A mess.

Most films are loud enough, all have clear big subtitles on black background and all run smoothly. You can start a film one day and continue the next. Technically, the festival's little short of perfection. The short film section is superb: varied in genre and cultures but maintaining high quality throughout. I'll be looking forward to the next edition, hopefully online too, at least short films. 

WATCH DOCS FESTIVAL ONLINE

I wasn't able to see the last film on my voucher. Mojeekino.pl claims I've seen 10, I know for a fact I've seen 9 (eight films + one 2-film set). The festival's over. I'm upset. That's on top of the problem with stuttering screenings. The platform's utterly annoying. On the other hand, I learnt a lot about the world - like every year, all films were of high quality, they also had large subtitles on black background and were audible. You could start a film one day and continue the next. Q&As and debates are still available on Facebook which is very convenient. They are subtitled so you don't need to wait for interpreting and hear the same thing twice like it used to be in real life. The online festival was a hit, the platform a miss. 

SPLAT! FILM FEST ONLINE 

SHORT FILMS

MR. SAM

Recommended. Tests your notions of weirdness. And does it smartly. The most dangerous people are the seemingly normal ones. It also teaches you that your own dirty secret might not be as bad as other people's. Superbly acted by Christopher Piccione. The plot is complex but lucid. Makes you uneasy but the thing is so stylish, including costumes and the scenery, you can't help but be amazed.

LA NUIT M'APPELLE (THE NIGHTS ALONE)

Watchable. Starts with a woman approaching the entrance and when she opens the door, her face is just in front of you, as if you were there. Costumes match interiors. Yet the film, though set in a wealthy residence, is ofted hard to look at, the monster is disgusting and the story perverse, even if ingenious. The French are obsessed with sex, no other nation would associate the monstrous, fat, revolting, old chap with voluntary sex.

SIREN

Recommended. The constantly flashing red and blue lights first blur identities, next make it spooky. The story's of identity - everyone's, of sexual identity and of kidnapping but when and of whom? This 16-minute film has a mid-credit and a horrifying end-credit. 

PSOTNIK W SZKLANEJ PULAPCE (PSOTNIK IN THE GLASS TRAP)

Watchable. A clever rework of the adult genre, "Poltergeist", horror clowns and silly cartoons. Black and white animation mixes with a colour actors' film. If only it weren't so vulgar.

LA PENUMBRA (THE GLOOM)

Recommended. Scary as hell from unsettling music in minute one. Add to it: a strange neighbour, walls closing down, some energy turning on devices, losing it, blood, memories playing with your mind - picture-perfect horror. 

WEIRDO

Watchable. The opening with silhouttes moving fast in the background and the shaky "R" in the title are foreboding but not as scary as the boy's prolonged stare right in the middle of the film. Putting both pairs of eyes separated by a line across the screen is creative but changes nothing. The victim's eyes only or a dead bird don't have a similar terrifying effect. It makes your pulse race. But cannibalism is not a new thing either.

FUTHARK

Recommended. A damn clever documentary. Strong opposition to Christianity. Is devil what you believe in when you divert from science? Does nature want us to act automatically, like ants, without thinking? Does it want to self-destroy in order to renew the cycle? As for movie effects, it starts with a gong and comprises of night-vision woods, skies, cities, red backgrounds and ominous sounds.