Synopsis

Thirty years ago, Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass (known for Succession as well as films like Lemon Tree and Paradise Now) left her village in Galilee to follow her dreams of acting in France. In this poignant portrait, both deeply personal and inescapably political, filmmaker Lina Soualem — who is also Abbas’ daughter — traces the story of her mother, her mother’s mother, and their extended family, all of whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement. Interwoven with nostalgic home video recordings and rich archival footage of Palestinian life through the decades, Bye Bye Tiberias is a moving memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities.

Synopsis

Etero adores her independent life. Living alone in a small Georgian village, the 48-year-old shopkeeper is perfectly content on her own. The pangs of love strike at the most unexpected times, however, and Etero’s world is turned upside down when she begins to fall for a delivery man from a nearby town.

Lead actor Eka Chavleishvili plays Etero with tentative grace, imbuing the character with tenderness and empathy as she’s forced to choose between the quiet days she cherishes and this unexplored alternative of passion and romance. Filled with effortless charm and directed with a light touch, Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry is a lyrical look at the unpredictable impulses of the human heart.

Synopsis

In this wondrous and warm-hearted portrait, director Sari Braithwaite (ChicagoIFF winner [Censored]) follows a very unique Australian family. Middle-aged and deeply in love, thoughtful and witty couple “Buddha” Barnes and Janet Sharrock live in a dusty working-class Melbourne suburb, still caring for their five adult kids from separate marriages. Adding to the complexities of a mixed family is the fact that they are all neurodivergent, living with a range of conditions from autism to depression to extreme dyslexia.

Sharing their deepest thoughts, fears, and dreams, we get to know each of the family members as they confront their vulnerabilities. And of course life, in all of its joys, misfortunes, and traumas, gets in the way. Blending the mundane with the universal through intimate verité footage and poetic shots of starry nighttime skies, Because We Have Each Other is a tender chronicle of the most normal, extraordinary lives.

Synopsis

In a remote village in northern Senegal, the introspective Adama finds himself drawn to Banel, a passionate and rebellious spirit. Together, they make the bold decision to carve out their own destiny, opting to live independently from their respective families and be with each other. When Adama refuses to step into the role expected of him as the village’s future leader, it sets off a chain reaction that challenges tradition and tests the strength of their love.

With striking cinematography enriched by subtle elements of magical realism, Banel & Adama presents a visually enthralling journey.

Synopsis

Five women across three generations are struggling to keep their decaying family hotel afloat. When Piedade’s daughter Salomé arrives on the scene, old resentments begin to bubble to the surface. The film’s wounded characters collide with one another in frank confrontation as layers of generational trauma are laid bare. The deteriorating architecture of the hotel looms over the action, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil and embodying the fraying ties of a family on the verge of being torn apart.