Discover Different
Our 2020 Dublin International Film Festival Recommendations
The 2020 edition of Dublin International Film Festival aka DIFF is literally just around the corner celebrating the best in Irish and international cinema, showcasing work by both exciting, up and coming directors as well as some of the most cherished film-makers in the world. For its 18th edition this annual ultimate film fest is bringing over 100 features, documentaries and shorts spanning across 50 countries and countless genres, styles and cultures. It’s a truly unique opportunity to see “provocative, inspirational and thought-provoking international cinema which might not otherwise be seen here” as we read in the festival’s official manifesto. Here’s my personal selection of 10 titles I am particularly excited to see.
Country: Brazil
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles
When: Wednesday 4th March, 8pm @ The Light House Cinema
Why: Kleber Mendonça Filho’s films are unparalleled in terms of his signature story-telling, breath-taking cinematography and his very observant commentary on the socio-political scenery of current Brazil. The living legend that is Sônia Braga features again (following her phenomenal performance in Filho’s previous movie “Aquarius”) and so does the cult actor Udo Kier. Don’t miss out this very special screening with the director in attendance!
THE TRUTH
Country: Japan/France
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
When: Thursday 2nd March, 6pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: Maestro Kore-eda (Shoplifters, After the Storm, Nobody Knows, Like Father Like Son) embarks on his first non-Japanese cinematic excursion featuring 2 of the greatest dames of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche. This is going to be sublime.
THE COUNTY
Country: Iceland
Director: Grímur Hákonarson
When: Monday 2nd March, 6.30pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: The director of the fantastic “Rams” follows his debut with the story of a middle-aged widow who embarks on a path of autonomy following the sudden death of her farmer husband. Similarly to its predecessor, the movie will no doubt be accompanied by stunning landscapes of rural Iceland.
RIALTO
Country: Ireland
Director: Peter Mackie Burns
When: Friday 6th March, 6.15pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: Written by Mark O’Halloran, one of the most talented screenwriters of Ireland, this is promising to be one of the highlights of the festival also on the acting front with “two extraordinary central performances” as hailed in one of the recent reviews. Filmmakers in attendance.
WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES
Country: Japan
Director: Makoto Nagahisa
When: Friday 6th March, 10.30pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: Even if judged purely on the press release and the trailer, we know we’re up for a rather bonkers treat. It’ll be psychedelic, noisy, punk and very Japanese!
ABOUT ENDLESSNESS
Country: Sweden
Director: Roy Andersson
When: Sunday 8th March, 4.40pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: No one does arthouse cinema, grotesque and absurd humour as well as Andersson. One of the most talented, unclassifiable and offbeat directors of our times. Silver Lion for Best Direction at the Venice Film Festival.
YOU WILL DIE AT TWENTY
Country: Sudan/France
Director: Amjad Abu Alala
When: Sunday 1st March, 8pm @ Cineworld
Why: African cinema is on the rise and unfortunately opportunities to see the continent’s most promising films are still scarce. This Lion of the Future (Best First Film award in Venice) winning title is a rare cinematic glipse into Sudan and a powerful coming-of-age drama.
ROSE PLAYS JULIE
Country: Ireland/UK
Director: Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor
When: Saturday 29th February, 8.30pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: This psychological revenge thriller, shot in Dublin, is shaping up to be one of the underdogs of the festival. Filmmakers in attendance.
LES MISÉRABLES
Country: France
Director: Ladj Ly
When: Saturday 29th February, 11am @ Cineworld
Why: Not to be confused with the famous musical. This intense French drama received the Jury Prize in last year’s Cannes Film Festival and what followed was an Oscar nomination and 3 European Film Award nods. Feature film debut from this critically acclaimed documentary maker.
QUEEN OF HEARTS
Country: Denmark
Director: May el-Toukhy
When: Thursday 27th February, 8pm @ Light House Cinema
Why: You can always count on Danish cinema to break a taboo, spark heated debates and keep you on the edge of your seat and May el-Toukhy’s erotic thriller is promising to do all of the above. The awe-inspiring Trine Dyrholm is supposed to be superb in one of the leading roles.
