Welcome to another edition of our weekly Feminist Friday column! That time where we share 3 of our fave videos of the moment with our readers usually centered around a feminist theme. This week we’re celebrating the 2019 Brooklyn Film Festival which takes place from May 31 to June 9, holding screenings at a number of locations around Brooklyn, New York.
Appropriately titled ‘The Gathering’, the 22nd edition of the festival is showcasing 133 features and shorts from over 30 countries, the BFF Executive Director Marco Ursino outlined in a press release what attendees and critics will get to witness this year.
“The theme-statement is essentially a call to all those people who are searching for clarity and intelligent exchanges. On the programming side this year, more than ever before, we wanted to empower all those filmmakers who are thinking and working in critical systems, outside of the box, and against all odds. Understanding that for women the ‘system’ is always critical, and inspired by the acceleration of the women’s movements, this year BFF will feature the largest presence of female directors within a single festival edition to date. I’m also proud to say that four out of our six festival programmers are women and the festival is run mostly by women,” he said.
The first film we’re showcasing in this week’s column is in the Narrative Short category. ‘An Act of Love‘ comes from director Lucy Knox, who hails from Australia. The story follows the intimate connection between identical twins May and June, which is tested when one attempts to step beyond their shared identity. Starring Rachael Awonusi and Rebekah Awonusi as the lead characters, the trailer below is a haunting glimpse into this film:
AN ACT OF LOVE Trailer from Lucy Knox on Vimeo.
The second film we want to highlight is a documentary feature from Canadian filmmaker Christine Chevarie-Lessard, titled ‘A Delicate Balance‘. Filmed from the point of view of its young subjects, A Delicate Balance takes an introspective look at the lives of four dancers on the cusp of adolescence—that critical time in one’s life when childhood fantasies begin to collide with the realities of being an adult. A tender and captivating documentary in which students of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec candidly tell their stories and share their hopes and dreams.
A Delicate Balance (Trailer – 90 sec.) from NFB/marketing on Vimeo.
The third highlight this week is an animated short film from Chinese filmmaker Mei Li. ‘Break The Fire’ is a five-minute 2D computer animated short about a young queen who lost her father when he fought a dragon to protect his kingdom. In order to save her people and revenge her father, she sets foot on the same journey, only to discover, and then break, a cycle of violence.
We love the variety of films being showcased by female directors and the rich depth-of stories and themes being explored. If you are looking to head to the Brooklyn Film Festival this year, be sure to take a look at the full line-up and purchase your tickets via the website.
Break the Fire trailer from Mei Li on Vimeo.
