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FESTIVAL UPDATE: THE NETHERLANDS, INDIA, MEXICO, SRI LANKA, BELGIUM

L. A. RAEVEN: BEYOND THE IMAGE; Netherlands, 2 &1/2 STARS!! Interesting but at times problematic documentary about twin sisters, both artists (Lisbeth & Angelique Raeven) living, working,  eating, thinking in tandem. A unique premise, but unfortunately an unsatisfying, disquieting conclusion.

PATANG (THE KITE); India, FOUR & 1/2 STARS!!!! A superior film by Chicago director, Prashat Bhargava, highlighting a two day episode in the lives of a family during the kite flying festival in Ahmedabad, India. Intriguing, compelling, beautiful.

MACHETE LANGUAGE; Mexico, THREE STARS!!! Young,  disenfranchised revolutionaries coming to terms with the vicissitudes and bleakness that comprise and compromise their existence. Dark, daring and pivotally performed.

FLYING FISH; Sri Lanka; FOUR STARS!!!! Lacking in dialogue, but endowed with a powerful narrative, the film succeeds in portraying without sensationalism, the tragedy of people living, bereft of options, or hope; the misery, frustrations of the individuals are shrouded in one of the most luminous landscapes ever filmed; destitution thriving in glorious, celestial beauty.

HOTEL SWOONI; Belgium, FIVE STARS!!!!! The hotel is the setting for one of the most creative, heartwarming movies of the festival; laughing, crying and rejoicing as the guests and staff entwine, their scenarios comingle. Few films make you feel as ebullient, alive and happy; exiting, yearning to squeeze,  hug anyone, everyone!

For Now………….Peneflix

2 comments

  1. I saw 2 films this afternoon. Hotel Swooni which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, I thought the ending was too neat. I left not satisfied with how it turned out. I did love it while watching it, however.
    I also enjoyed The Silver Cliff but didn’t love it. I was tired after 2 movies so I don’t know how you did it. Sheila

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