New Directors New Films starts this week and cineastes in the NYC metro area are going crazy.
Filled with films from new and upcoming filmmakers the festival is a good place to see the work of people who may one day become the next big thing. The festival is also the place to see a lot of works that may not get a big release until the filmmaker makes a name for themselves. I’m not being snarky, but it’s true, a lot of films that play the fest either never get a regular US release or only get picked up after the director hits (I’m constantly reposting reviews of films from a couple of years before) so if you want to see a film- do not hesitate.
The films at NDNF tend to be more art house than mainstream. This is great is you want to see good films, but not if you are looking for the next big Hollywood thing because the festival doesn't really do Hollywood much.
Additionally because the films are all over the place in subject and in style it’s hard to say what the festival is any year in particular. The festival casts a wide net and is great for people who want their cinematic horizons widened. At the same time I can’t say it’s all good because every year the fest is hit or miss depending upon my persona reaction to the films.
This year my favorites of what I’ve seen are as follows.
CycleMahesh is a recreation of a man biking home during the covid lockdown. Not much happens but it is an absolute delight.
Holy Electricity has two guys selling crosses and it's just great time with great people.
Kyuka Before Summer's End is an experimental first film about a boat trip that should not work but somehow delights on every level
Listen To The Voices is about a young man from France finding a home in the place his mother came from. It's lovely
Timestamp is a doc about kids going to school in Ukraine during the war.
Virgin of the Quarry Lake is a deeply disturbing thriller about a fractured relationship.
As always if there is something that looks interesting go see it because you may not get a chance to see the film again. And because a lot of the screenings sell out I suggest you buy tickets for anything that interests you sooner than later.
For tickets and more information go here
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