Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Peréz is a strong contender for the best international film award at the upcoming Academy Awards. However, at the Palm Springs Festival Festival, a diverse group of emerging and established directors showcased their captivating storytelling and indie film accomplishments to impress Academy voters.
One of the standout films presented was Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here,” which tells the story of a mother of five children grappling with the disappearance of her husband during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Salles drew inspiration from a book written by his childhood friend, Marcelo Rubens Paiva, whose family’s struggles under the dictatorship deeply impacted him.
Italian filmmaker Maura Delpero shared how personal experiences, such as losing her father and becoming a mother, influenced her period drama “Vermiglio,” Italy’s entry for the Oscars. The film revolves around a remote mountain village disrupted by the arrival of a refugee soldier.
Mati Diop’s documentary “Dahomey” sheds light on the return of looted African artifacts to the Republic of Benin and gives voice to these cultural treasures. Diop’s bold storytelling approach aims to recognize the cultural significance and journey of these artifacts.
Exiled Iranian director Mohammed Rouselof faced challenges with censorship in Iran but triumphed by including strong female characters in his German Oscar contender, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” This film represents resistance against censorship and highlights the importance of portraying women authentically on screen.
Canadian director Matthew Rankin brought a comedic twist with “Universal Language,” Canada’s entry that imagines a world where Persian and French are official languages. Rankin praised the non-professional child actors in the film, highlighting their natural talent and professionalism on screen.
Overall, the Palm Springs Festival provided a platform for directors to showcase their unique stories and perspectives, with a focus on bold storytelling and cultural relevance. These films represent a diverse array of voices and experiences, pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in the world of cinema.
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