IFFK 2022: Top 10 Films You Should Not Miss
As the 27th IFFK kicks off, film lovers are in for a grand treat of 184 films from 70 countries. There is true global representation as films from literally every corner of the world are part of this year’s festival. Of these, 14 films are in the competition section, including 4 from India. For anyone attending a festival of such a big a scale there is bound to be confusion of which films one must watch. This is especially because many of them are yet to be screened outside the festival circuit and, therefore, very little information on them is available to the general public. There’s also the limitation of time as one can only watch so many films within a span of 8 days. To assist festival goers and cinephiles, here is a list of films that are the most awaited for various reasons and must not be missed. Some of these films have made big waves at major international film festivals and won coveted awards. Some of them are much awaited international and national premiers of films from regional and international filmmaking icons. Here, the list:
1. Triangle of Sadness
From Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness tells the story of a luxury cruise for the super rich sinking and its obscenely rich passengers trying to survive on an island. The film’s deep insights into the theme of class and wealth inequality along with its clever use of humour as a means to put forth criticism won it the prestigious Palm d’Or for best film at the Cannes Film festival 2022. The chances of one watching his film in an Indian theatre are rare.
2. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam/ A mid-day dream
Directed by the maverick Lijo Jose Pellissery, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam has its international premier at this year’s IFFK. Starring the legendary actor and superstar Mammooty, the film has been highly anticipated by fans across India since its announcement due to it being the first collaboration between the two icons. This is also Mammooty’s return to IFFK in a very long time. Significantly, Mammooty is the producer of this film which has been nominated for the international competition section. The story is about a man who lives a double life.
3. Decision to Leave
The new film by the acclaimed Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook is a sensual love story. The plot follows a detective who goes to the mountains to investigate the death of a man and, in the process, falls in love with his mysterious wife. The film made waves at the 2022 Cannes Film festival and Park Chan-Wook received the award for the best director. From reports it is clear that Park is at the peak of his talent in this film and he has displayed many of his signature storytelling tools in it.
4. Ariyippu
Ariyippu is having its Indian premier at IFFK 2022. It is the latest film from Mahesh Narayanan, the acclaimed editor and director. Ariyippu had received rave reviews and responses from multiple international film festivals. It was nominated for the Golden Leopard award at Locarno Film festival. The film stars Kunchacko Boban and Divyaprabha. Since Ariyippu is going to be released on Netflix later this year, IFFK is a golden chance to catch it in a theatre. The film tells the story of how the life of a Malayali couple working in Delhi during the Covid pandemic is turned upside down by the release of a sensitive and manipulated video in the factory they work.
5. Tori and Lokita
Tori and Lokita is the official opening film of IFFK 2022. It is directed by the Dardenne brothers. The film tells the story of two African immigrants in Belgium through Lokita and her younger brother Tori. It explores their emotional relationship and showcases the struggles and harsh realities of the life of immigrants in Europe. It was nominated for several awards, including the prestigious Palm d’Or and also took home the Cannes Film Festival’s special 75th anniversary award.
6. Autobiography
Perhaps this is the most influential film to come out of Indonesia. Directed by the debutant Makbul Mubarak, Autobiography was premiered at the Venice Film festival. It also managed to win the prestigious FIPRESCI award. The film explores the theme of how power corrupts an individual. It tells the story of the relationship between a retired military general and a young boy who is his housekeeper. Their toxic relationship is symbolic of what has happened to the people of Indonesia under military dictatorship. The film is a drama and a thriller.
7. Boy from Heaven
Boy from Heaven is written and directed by Tarik Saleh. It tells the story of Adam, the son of a fisherman, who accepts an offer to study at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Shortly after his arrival in Cairo, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar suddenly dies and a power struggle ensues. The film was nominated to compete for the prestigious Palm d’Or and also won the best screenplay award and the Francois Chalaise award at Cannes Film festival. It is also Sweden’s official entry to the Oscars.
8. Alcarras
This Catalan language film by the Spanish director Carla Simon has been shot with non-professional actors. It won the Golden Bear Award for Best Film at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival. The film is also Spain’s official entry for this year’s Oscars in the Best International Film category. It has been screened in film festivals like San Sebastian and Sydney. The movie has been shot in Alcarez, Catalonia.It tells the story of the disappearance of an agricultural activist in a peach plantation. A powerful film, it deals with themes such as nature, politics and family.
9. Both Sides of the Blade
Both Sides of the Blade (formerly known in English as Fire) is a 2022 French romantic drama film directed by Claire Denis, who wrote the screenplay with Christine Angot. The film is based on Angot’s 2018 novel Un tournant de la vie. It had its world premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Bear and Claire Denis received the Silver Bear for Best Director. It tells the story of a married woman who gets involved in a love triangle. It explores themes such as love, emotional intimacy, and loyalty.
10. Victim
Directed by Michal Blasko, Victim is a Slovakian film. The events depicted in the film show how a single lie, arising out of a teenager’s embarrassment about the truth of the injuries he had sustained, can have unforeseen ramifications in the hands of xenophobic groups. This lie is woven into their constant hate propaganda against an outsider group. Victim is Slovakia’s official entry into the Oscars and explores themes that are globally relevant in the context of bigotry.
