April 20-30, Filmfest DC returns for the 31st year with films from 45 countries for 11 days of cinema discovery. There’s something for everyone, with lighthearted comedies, on the edge of your seat thrillers, musical marvels and even a new section, Division and Debate, dedicated to films covering today’s contentious political issues.
In additional to the general festival offerings, the festival is further split into different sections, each highlighting a particular theme:
The Lighter Side is a section of international comedies:
- The African Doctor (France) directed by Julien Rambaldi
- Family Life (Chile) directed by Alicia Scherson, Cristian Jimenez
- The Hippopotamus (UK) directed by John Jencks
- Solitaire (Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt) directed by Sophie Boutros
- The Wedding Party (Nigeria) directed by Kema Adetiba
Trust No One focuses on thrillers and espionage:
- All of a Sudden (Germany, Netherlands) directed by Asli Özge
- At the End of the Tunnel (Argentina, Spain) directed by Rodrigo Grande
- Fast Convoy (France) directed by Frédéric Schoendoerffer
- Goldstone (Australia) directed by Ivan Sen
- The Oath (Iceland) directed by Baltasar Kormákur
- Searchers (Maliglutit) (Canada) directed by Zacharias Kunuk
- Train to Busan (South Korea) directed by Yeon Sang-ho
Rhythms On & Off the Screen features international films with musical accompaniment:
- The Dancer (France) directed by Stéphanie di Giusto
- Footnotes (France) directed by Paul Calori, Kostia Testut
- J: Beyond Flamenco (Spain) directed by Carlos Saura
- Patti Cake$ (USA) directed by Geremy Jasper
- I Am the Blues (USA, Canada) directed by Daniel Cross
- Mali Blues (Germany) directed by Lutz Gregor
- Two Trains Runnin’ (USA) directed by Sam Pollard
Division & Debate seeks to explore disagreements fueled by globalization & immigration, government policies and racial tension:
- All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone (Canada) directed by Fred Peabody – The need for a free and independent press
- Backpack Full of Cash (USA) directed by Sarah Mondale – Charter schools vs. support for public education
- The Good Postman (Finland, Bulgaria) directed by Tonislav Hristov
- This Is Our Land (France, Belgium) directed by Lucas Belvaux – How those affected by immigration and threats to job security can be manipulated by the far right wing.
Justice Matters highlights the tradition of using film to expand awareness and understanding of social justice issues around the globe:
- 150 Milligrams (France) directed by Emmanuelle Bercot
- All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone (Canada) directed by Fred Peabody
- Backpack Full of Cash (USA) directed by Sarah Mondale
- The Good Postman (Finland, Bulgaria) directed by Tonislav Hristov
- The House on Coco Road (USA, Grenada) directed by Damani Baker
- Last Men in Aleppo (Denmark, Syria) directed by Feras Fayyad and co-directed by Steen Johannessen
- Tomorrow (France) directed by Cyril Dion, Mélanie Laurent
- Two Trains Runnin’ (USA) directed by Sam Pollard
For more information on the festival, tickets and showtimes, click here