Can a fiction-documentary hybrid create a convincing portrait of Ethiopia’s ambiguous urban sprawl? Italian-American director Mo Scarpelli’s new release ANBESSA, which was screened as part of Scotland’s global change film festival Take One Action, answers yes. Tanja Schangin reviews.
Gabriel Farrell reviews HOMELESS ASHES, which gives a face, a name and a story to a person in a class of society often ignored, in the hope that it might shine a light on the topic and humanise these people we pass every day.
Xiang Zi’s poignant drama A DOG BARKING AT THE MOON digests the dyad of traditionalism and identity. Stephanie Brown reviews art SQIFF 2019.
QUEEN OF LAPA allows for a glimpse into the complex lives of the women who live under Launa Muniz’s roof: a hostel for transgender sex-workers. Francesca Woulfe reviews at SQIFF 2019.
MAN MADE is a beautiful representation of trans men and should be essential viewing this festival season and beyond. Sammy Andie Bennett reviews.
In THE DAY SHALL COME Chris Morris develops a sadness at the absurdity that perpetuates a status quo with an expensive human cost. Jim Ross reviews.
Necessary viewing for anyone curious about this fascinating economic, cultural and architectural anomaly, or the history of western colonialism in Asia.
SANDPAPER is a taught, tense, uncomfortable, nails-on-a-chalkboard type of film that is also a tight, well-paced, excellently executed example of psychological horror. Gabriel Farrell reviews at Raindance 2019.
DARK, ALMOST NIGHT is not a bad film but it is a film that crossed the line and hurt itself in the process. Sammy Andie Bennett reviews from Raindance.
MASTERS OF LOVE is solid proof that, even with a concept as well-trodden and seemingly passé as this, when a group of talented people come together with the right energy and intentions, they can create something that feels fresh and original. Gabriel Farrell reviews at Raindance 2019.
