Eight brand new films are competing for the Golden Puffin, the main prize of RIFF this year. The films come from eight countries, and their topics and themes are exceptionally exciting this year. They cover the entire spectrum of human reality, from crime films to high drama. The grey feather, bank crimes, mystical experiences, murder and lost loves are among the topics covered.
"These are well-made progressive films that often challenge accepted values in filmmaking and point the way for the future of filmmaking. Many people are thirsty to see films that are not made according to the same formula, but it takes genius to break the traditions in a way that works. The films all have one thing in common: they challenge the form without losing the viewer's attention. There are really exciting films competing this year and it was hard to choose," says Hrönn Marinósdóttir.
Many of them have already received nominations at other festivals so far this year, two of them are nominated as best newcomers at Cannes for The Golden Camera Award and still others have already won awards. For example, won Moon 66 questions directed by Jacqueline Lentzou won the Cineuropa Award at the Sarajevo Film Festival and Queen of glory directed by Nana Mensah won an award at Tribeca for "Best New Narrative Director".
Azores
A Swiss banker goes on a mission to Argentina to replace a colleague who has disappeared without a trace. A secret society of money-makers leads him on a dangerous path. 6 nominations, including at the Berlin Film Festival and the London Film Festival. Director, Andreas Fontana.
Bruno Reidal, Confessions of a Murderer
A young theology student murders a boy in 1905 and turns himself in to the authorities. Doctors order him to write his memoirs in an attempt to understand the motives behind the crime. Directed by Vincent Le Port.
Clara Sola
A quiet forty-year-old woman in Costa Rica experiences a sexual and mystical awakening and embarks on a journey to break free from the shackles of regressive religious and social traditions.Director: Nathalie Álvarez Mesén
Moon, 66 questions
A young woman living in Paris must return to Athens to care for her estranged father. Over an emotional summer, she uncovers his secrets and their relationship heals as a result. Director Jacqueline Lentzou
Queen of Glory
The gifted daughter of Ghanaian immigrants is about to throw away her education and pursue her married lover across the country when her mother dies, leaving her a Bronx bookstore. Director: Nana Mensah
Sisterhood
The friendship of two inseparable teenage girls is tested when they become entangled in the murder of their classmate. Director: Dina Duma
What do we see when we look at the sky?
Summer love is in the air in a small town in Georgia. Lisa and Giorgi's plans for a date change in an instant when they wake up transformed and have no way of recognizing each other. Director: Alexandre Koberidze
Wild Men
To escape the gray feather, Martin has fled civilization to the forest to live like a savage. There he encounters a drug dealer who shakes up his search for self. Director: Thomas Daneskov