Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend film festivals in different parts of the world, both as a filmmaker and a journalist. Festivals are one of my favourite ways of discovering cinema because you often encounter films before they reach a wider audience. Here are some of the films from 2024 that stayed with me.
All We Imagine as Light
Director: Payal Kapadia
Countries: India, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
The 2024 Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival (The Palme d’Or went to Anora)
“All We Imagine as Light” is a cinematic marvel that intertwines personal and political narratives. Kapadia’s storytelling is both intimate and expansive, exploring themes of memory and identity with a unique poetic visual style. What stayed with me was the way Kapadia makes the city feel almost like another character. The film is intimate, but Mumbai is always present around these women.
Megalopolis
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Country: USA
Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” is a visionary project that has been highly anticipated. Known for its ambitious scope and intricate narrative, the film explores themes of urban utopia and societal transformation. Coppola’s return to epic filmmaking has been met with critical acclaim, solidifying his status as one of cinema’s great auteurs .
Kinds of Kindness
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Countries: Ireland, UK, USA
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos continues to captivate audiences with “Kinds of Kindness”, a darkly humorous and deeply philosophical film. Lanthimos’s unique storytelling style and sharp social commentary are on full display, making this film a standout in his already impressive filmography.
The Shrouds
Director: David Cronenberg
Countries: France, Canada
David Cronenberg’s latest film, “The Shrouds”, is a return to his roots in body horror, combined with deep psychological exploration. This film delves into themes of death and technology, offering a chilling yet fascinating narrative that has resonated with critics and audiences alike.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Director: Mohammad Rasoulof
Countries: Iran, Germany, France
Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a poignant film that examines themes of freedom and repression in contemporary Iran. Rasoulof’s masterful direction and the film’s powerful social commentary have made it a significant entry in this year’s international cinema landscape.
