VIEW BY: BROWSE FILMS
Belgium
My Queen Karo
Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 101 min
Directed by: Dorothée Van Den Berghe
Interests: Coming of Age, Drama, Female Director(s)
In Dorothée van den Berghe's (Girl) beautiful and touching coming-of-age story, 10-year-old Karo moves with her parents Raven and Dalia to a vibrant and carefree squatter's commune in 1970s Amsterdam. But when Raven's relationship with a new woman fractures their family and threatens the commune's utopia, both Raven's lofty ideals and Karo's childish innocence will be challenged by the messy realities of human emotion. Read More
Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 101 min
Directed by: Dorothée Van Den Berghe
Interests: Coming of Age, Drama, Female Director(s)
In Dorothée van den Berghe's (Girl) beautiful and touching coming-of-age story, 10-year-old Karo moves with her parents Raven and Dalia to a vibrant and carefree squatter's commune in 1970s Amsterdam. But when Raven's relationship with a new woman fractures their family and threatens the commune's utopia, both Raven's lofty ideals and Karo's childish innocence will be challenged by the messy realities of human emotion. Read More
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Buried Land
[BURIE] World Narrative Feature Competition
Feature Narrative, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Geoffrey Alan Rhodes and Steven Eastwood
Interests: Drama, Eastern European, Identity, Mystery
The small town of Visoko heralds to the world a remarkable discovery: A valley of ancient pyramids predating Egypt exists under the hills of central Bosnia. Tourists flood the war-scarred region, and locals are caught between the real and the imagined (mirroring the film's vacillation between documentary and fiction). With the help of a young man returning to his homeland, an American film crew determines the role of faith in capturing what can not yet be proven. Read More
[BURIE] World Narrative Feature Competition
Feature Narrative, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Geoffrey Alan Rhodes and Steven Eastwood
Interests: Drama, Eastern European, Identity, Mystery
The small town of Visoko heralds to the world a remarkable discovery: A valley of ancient pyramids predating Egypt exists under the hills of central Bosnia. Tourists flood the war-scarred region, and locals are caught between the real and the imagined (mirroring the film's vacillation between documentary and fiction). With the help of a young man returning to his homeland, an American film crew determines the role of faith in capturing what can not yet be proven. Read More
Brazil
Elvis & Madona
[ELVIS] Discovery
Feature Narrative, 2010, 105 min
Directed by: Marcelo Laffitte
Interests: Comedy, LGBT, Latin American, Romance
The lives of a beautiful biker babe and a tall blonde trannie intertwine in this vibrant Rio-set romantic comedy. Elvis is an aspiring young photographer delivering pizzas to make ends meet. Madona's plans for a spectacular drag show have just been dashed when her rotten sometime lover steals all her money. When they meet by chance, Elvis and Madona's unlikely love will help them chase their dreams and deal with the obstacles that arise along the way. Read More
[ELVIS] Discovery
Feature Narrative, 2010, 105 min
Directed by: Marcelo Laffitte
Interests: Comedy, LGBT, Latin American, Romance
The lives of a beautiful biker babe and a tall blonde trannie intertwine in this vibrant Rio-set romantic comedy. Elvis is an aspiring young photographer delivering pizzas to make ends meet. Madona's plans for a spectacular drag show have just been dashed when her rotten sometime lover steals all her money. When they meet by chance, Elvis and Madona's unlikely love will help them chase their dreams and deal with the obstacles that arise along the way. Read More
Canada
Cairo Time
[CAIRO] Spotlight
Feature Narrative, 2009, 88 min
Directed by: Ruba Nadda
Interests: Adventure, Drama, Female Director(s), Middle Eastern, Romance
In this graceful cross-cultural love story, a happily married woman (Patricia Clarkson) is separated from her husband in the overwhelming city of Cairo. While waiting for his return, she experiences the unique beauty of Egypt with his friend (Alexander Siddig). As their tender friendship blossoms, a series of small yet profound moments changes both of their worlds forever. Read More
[CAIRO] Spotlight
Feature Narrative, 2009, 88 min
Directed by: Ruba Nadda
Interests: Adventure, Drama, Female Director(s), Middle Eastern, Romance
In this graceful cross-cultural love story, a happily married woman (Patricia Clarkson) is separated from her husband in the overwhelming city of Cairo. While waiting for his return, she experiences the unique beauty of Egypt with his friend (Alexander Siddig). As their tender friendship blossoms, a series of small yet profound moments changes both of their worlds forever. Read More
Dog Pound
[DOGPO] World Narrative Feature Competition
Feature Narrative, 2009, 88 min
Directed by: Kim Chapiron
Interests: Action, Crime, Drama, Drugs, Psychological, Returning Filmmaker, Social Issues, Suspense, Thriller, Urban, Violence, Youth
In North America more than 100,000 children are held in detention centers. Sixty percent are destined to become repeat offenders. Director Kim Chapiron (Sheitan, TFF '06) takes a searing look at three incarcerated teenagers fighting for their lives and for hope. An electrifying cast delivers blistering performances packed with violent intensity and emotional power in this story of unlikely friendships in the midst of a brutal and deficient correctional system. Read More
[DOGPO] World Narrative Feature Competition
Feature Narrative, 2009, 88 min
Directed by: Kim Chapiron
Interests: Action, Crime, Drama, Drugs, Psychological, Returning Filmmaker, Social Issues, Suspense, Thriller, Urban, Violence, Youth
In North America more than 100,000 children are held in detention centers. Sixty percent are destined to become repeat offenders. Director Kim Chapiron (Sheitan, TFF '06) takes a searing look at three incarcerated teenagers fighting for their lives and for hope. An electrifying cast delivers blistering performances packed with violent intensity and emotional power in this story of unlikely friendships in the midst of a brutal and deficient correctional system. Read More
RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage
[RUSHD] Encounters
Feature Documentary, 2009, 106 min
Directed by: Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn
Interests: Documentary, Music
For fans and newcomers to the legendary Canadian band Rush, this is the music documentary to experience. Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn embark on a comprehensive exploration of this extraordinary power trio, from their early days in Toronto, through each of their landmark albums, to the present day. Sit back and revel in the words, music, and wonder of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Read More
[RUSHD] Encounters
Feature Documentary, 2009, 106 min
Directed by: Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn
Interests: Documentary, Music
For fans and newcomers to the legendary Canadian band Rush, this is the music documentary to experience. Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn embark on a comprehensive exploration of this extraordinary power trio, from their early days in Toronto, through each of their landmark albums, to the present day. Sit back and revel in the words, music, and wonder of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Read More
The Trotsky
[TROTS] Discovery
Feature Narrative, 2009, 114 min
Directed by: Jacob Tierney
Interests: Comedy, Social Issues, Teens
Like most high schoolers, Leon Bronstein (Jay Baruchel, Tropic Thunder) is having an identity crisis. What differentiates Leon, however, is that he believes he is the reincarnation of Soviet thinker Leon Trotksy and predestined to follow the same path as his namesake. Tackling issues from students' rights to semi-formal dances, this "revolutionary" comedy will have you united in laughter. Read More
[TROTS] Discovery
Feature Narrative, 2009, 114 min
Directed by: Jacob Tierney
Interests: Comedy, Social Issues, Teens
Like most high schoolers, Leon Bronstein (Jay Baruchel, Tropic Thunder) is having an identity crisis. What differentiates Leon, however, is that he believes he is the reincarnation of Soviet thinker Leon Trotksy and predestined to follow the same path as his namesake. Tackling issues from students' rights to semi-formal dances, this "revolutionary" comedy will have you united in laughter. Read More
China
The Woodmans
[WOODM] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 82 min
Directed by: C.Scott Willis
Interests: *NYcomp*, About Family, Art/Literature, Death, Documentary, Health Issues, Identity, New York, Psychological, Women
The Woodmans are a family united in their belief that art-making is the highest form of expression and an essential way of life, but for photographer daughter Francesca, worldwide acclaim came only after a tragedy that would forever scar the family. With unrestricted access to all of Francesca's works and diaries, The Woodmans paints an incisive portrait of a family broken and then healed by its art. Read More
[WOODM] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 82 min
Directed by: C.Scott Willis
Interests: *NYcomp*, About Family, Art/Literature, Death, Documentary, Health Issues, Identity, New York, Psychological, Women
The Woodmans are a family united in their belief that art-making is the highest form of expression and an essential way of life, but for photographer daughter Francesca, worldwide acclaim came only after a tragedy that would forever scar the family. With unrestricted access to all of Francesca's works and diaries, The Woodmans paints an incisive portrait of a family broken and then healed by its art. Read More
Colombia
Blood and Rain
[BLOOD] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 90 min
Directed by: Jorge Navas
Interests: Crime, Drama, Latin American
In Jorge Navas' beautifully composed neo-noir, taxi driver Jorge begins his night shift bent on revenge after his brother's murder at the hands of a violent gang. But when an accident brings him unexpectedly closer to his party-girl fare Angela, the damaged pair must struggle against forces already set in motion, drawing them inexorably into the rain-soaked underworld of Bogotá. Read More
[BLOOD] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 90 min
Directed by: Jorge Navas
Interests: Crime, Drama, Latin American
In Jorge Navas' beautifully composed neo-noir, taxi driver Jorge begins his night shift bent on revenge after his brother's murder at the hands of a violent gang. But when an accident brings him unexpectedly closer to his party-girl fare Angela, the damaged pair must struggle against forces already set in motion, drawing them inexorably into the rain-soaked underworld of Bogotá. Read More
The Two Escobars
[ESCOB] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 100 min
Directed by: Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist
Interests: *ESPN*, Crime, Documentary, Drugs, Latin American, Politics, Returning Filmmaker, Sports, Violence
Born in the same city in Colombia but not related, Andrés Escobar and Pablo Escobar shared a fanatical love of soccer. Andrés grew up to become one of Colombia's most beloved players, while Pablo became the most notorious drug baron of all time. While adeptly investigating the secret marriage of crime and sports, Michael Zimbalist and Jeff Zimbalist (Favela Rising, TFF '05) reveal the surprising connections between the murders of Andrés and Pablo. Read More
[ESCOB] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 100 min
Directed by: Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist
Interests: *ESPN*, Crime, Documentary, Drugs, Latin American, Politics, Returning Filmmaker, Sports, Violence
Born in the same city in Colombia but not related, Andrés Escobar and Pablo Escobar shared a fanatical love of soccer. Andrés grew up to become one of Colombia's most beloved players, while Pablo became the most notorious drug baron of all time. While adeptly investigating the secret marriage of crime and sports, Michael Zimbalist and Jeff Zimbalist (Favela Rising, TFF '05) reveal the surprising connections between the murders of Andrés and Pablo. Read More
Denmark
Into Eternity
[ETERN] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 75 min
Directed by: Michael Madsen
Interests: Documentary, Environmental, Science/Technology
Three miles below the earth, the people of Finland are constructing an enormous tomb to lay to rest their share of humans' 300,000 tons of nuclear waste. To avoid disaster, it must remain untouched for at least 100,000 years. In this poetic, hauntingly beautiful, and thought-provoking doc, Danish filmmaker Michael Madsen ponders how to warn future civilizations that the buried treasure of our nuclear era—unlike the pyramids and great tombs of pharaohs—must never, ever be discovered. Read More
[ETERN] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2010, 75 min
Directed by: Michael Madsen
Interests: Documentary, Environmental, Science/Technology
Three miles below the earth, the people of Finland are constructing an enormous tomb to lay to rest their share of humans' 300,000 tons of nuclear waste. To avoid disaster, it must remain untouched for at least 100,000 years. In this poetic, hauntingly beautiful, and thought-provoking doc, Danish filmmaker Michael Madsen ponders how to warn future civilizations that the buried treasure of our nuclear era—unlike the pyramids and great tombs of pharaohs—must never, ever be discovered. Read More
Metropia
[METRO] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Tarik Saleh
Interests: Animation, Drama, Mystery
In the year 2024, all of Europe is united by a vast web of underground railways, populated by an army of downtrodden worker bees. When one such cog starts hearing voices and encounters a femme fatale shampoo model who seems to hold some answers, he finds himself unearthing a vast Orwellian conspiracy in this visually arresting animated noir. With the voices of Vincent Gallo, Juliette Lewis, Udo Kier, Stellan Skarsgård, and Alexander Skarsgård. Read More
[METRO] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Tarik Saleh
Interests: Animation, Drama, Mystery
In the year 2024, all of Europe is united by a vast web of underground railways, populated by an army of downtrodden worker bees. When one such cog starts hearing voices and encounters a femme fatale shampoo model who seems to hold some answers, he finds himself unearthing a vast Orwellian conspiracy in this visually arresting animated noir. With the voices of Vincent Gallo, Juliette Lewis, Udo Kier, Stellan Skarsgård, and Alexander Skarsgård. Read More
Finland
Freetime Machos
[FREET] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Mika Ronkainen
Interests: *ESPN*, Documentary, Friendship, Sports
Matti and Mikko play for Finland's worst amateur rugby team. Overworked and domesticated, the two men long for a space to revel in their masculinity and bond with other men. Following the two friends and their teammates on a quest to end the season with just a single win, award-winning writer/director Mika Ronkainen (Screaming Men) crafts a genuine and disarmingly funny love story about modern male friendship. Read More
[FREET] World Documentary Feature Competition
Feature Documentary, 2009, 86 min
Directed by: Mika Ronkainen
Interests: *ESPN*, Documentary, Friendship, Sports
Matti and Mikko play for Finland's worst amateur rugby team. Overworked and domesticated, the two men long for a space to revel in their masculinity and bond with other men. Following the two friends and their teammates on a quest to end the season with just a single win, award-winning writer/director Mika Ronkainen (Screaming Men) crafts a genuine and disarmingly funny love story about modern male friendship. Read More
France
A Brand New Life
[BRAND] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 92 min
Directed by: Ounie Lecomte
Interests: Asian, Drama, Female Director(s), Social Issues
When her father offers to take her on a trip, nine-year-old Jin-hee happily sings him a love song, the bittersweet notes inaudible to her own ear, until she realizes he has abandoned her at a Catholic orphanage. Drawing raves from the Cannes to Berlin film festivals, Ounie Lecomte's directorial debut, a semi-autobiographical portrait of 1970s South Korea, masterfully captures an emotional journey of loss, friendship, and starting anew. Read More
[BRAND] Showcase
Feature Narrative, 2009, 92 min
Directed by: Ounie Lecomte
Interests: Asian, Drama, Female Director(s), Social Issues
When her father offers to take her on a trip, nine-year-old Jin-hee happily sings him a love song, the bittersweet notes inaudible to her own ear, until she realizes he has abandoned her at a Catholic orphanage. Drawing raves from the Cannes to Berlin film festivals, Ounie Lecomte's directorial debut, a semi-autobiographical portrait of 1970s South Korea, masterfully captures an emotional journey of loss, friendship, and starting anew. Read More
The Chameleon
[CHAME] Encounters
Feature Narrative, 2010, 106 min
Directed by: Jean-Paul Salomé
Interests: Based on a True Story, Family Issues, Identity, Mystery, Thriller
When teenager Nicholas Barclay (Marc-André Grondin, C.R.A.Z.Y.) mysteriously resurfaces after he went missing three years ago, his sister (Emilie De Ravin, Lost) and mother (Ellen Barkin) welcome him back with open arms, but a no-nonsense FBI agent (Famke Janssen) is out to prove he's an imposter. Working from a true story, director Jean-Paul Salomé (Female Agents) delivers an unsettling psychological thriller—featuring an unforgettable performance by Barkin—that will keep you guessing. Read More
[CHAME] Encounters
Feature Narrative, 2010, 106 min
Directed by: Jean-Paul Salomé
Interests: Based on a True Story, Family Issues, Identity, Mystery, Thriller
When teenager Nicholas Barclay (Marc-André Grondin, C.R.A.Z.Y.) mysteriously resurfaces after he went missing three years ago, his sister (Emilie De Ravin, Lost) and mother (Ellen Barkin) welcome him back with open arms, but a no-nonsense FBI agent (Famke Janssen) is out to prove he's an imposter. Working from a true story, director Jean-Paul Salomé (Female Agents) delivers an unsettling psychological thriller—featuring an unforgettable performance by Barkin—that will keep you guessing. Read More
