An extraordinary film released in 1981, Jean-Jacques Beineix‘s DIVA is a classic example of Cinema Du Look. Expressive, colorful, romantic. The French thriller is the story of an Opera Singer and a secret tape. Released by Rialto Pictures in the US.
Tribeca Enterprises was founded in New York in 2001 by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. Its accompanying Tribeca Film Festival has since been promoting emerging film talent. Sections include: Premieres, Gala Events, US Competition, Online Premieres, and International Competition. Furthermore, the Shorts section includes Narrative, Documentary and Animations, and this year comprised 53 entries.
The World Premiere of Chicken concerns a 16-year-old boy serving time in a Bronx juvenile prison. Faced with losing custody of his child, he discovers fatherly duties through raising a chicken. Director Josh Leong’s film is very engaging, well-acted, and with feature-film potential. It also highlighted a perhaps overlooked subject of the lives of juveniles in prison.
Another World Premiere, also set in New York, was Fraud, directed by Zen Pace. A transsexual rock singer is searching for her place in the world and companionship. She also has a parallel existence committing petty credit card fraud. But when her latest subject makes a surprising offer, she reconsiders her life. Fraud emerges as a deceptively profound drama.
The Letter Men, directed by Andy Vallentine, was also a World Premiere at Tribeca. Continuing the LGBTI theme, it is based on real love letters from WWII. This untold story is of two gay men torn apart both by war and the law.
The UK entry Pragma, by Ellie Heydon, also had its International Premiere at fest. This perhaps prophetic film concerns a first School for Relationships. Willow’s dilemma is whether to trust science or her heart.
There is certainly originality in the premise and a twist in the plot. However, the futuristic approach to love and romance is clinical and ultimately suspect here.
Another UK film receiving its North American Premiere was Fireworks, by Paul Franklin. Set in an MI6 Ops Room, this tense thriller uses Virtual Production technology well. The characterization has potential, but the petty squabbling (and expletives) is a little overdone. This reduces Fireworks to soap opera level, implausible for an institution like MI6.
Mohammed Saffouri’s US-Jordan production Touchline also received its North American Premiere. During the 1948 occupation of Palestine, 17-year-old Ahmad is chosen to represent the national football team. However, the Israel conflict means his family have to leave their home, his dreams shattered. A touching and poignant period film, it is just as relevant today.
The UK-Nigeria produced Point and Kill is Smuggler director Ebeneza Blanche’s music video. It portrays Brit Award Winner Little Simz exploring her Nigerian roots. A representation of proud heritage and customs make the effect very authentic. The video, also having its New York Debut, features fellow Nigerian singer Obongjayar.
Alison Roberto’s satirical horror Girls Night In is another New York Premiere. However, the award-winning Director and Creative Director seems to have fallen short here. Based on the Bechdel test, two friends have to deal with a crazed intruder. With allusions to films like the Scream series, the tension ultimately becomes nauseating.
Tribeca Film Festival was held from June 8th to June 19th 2022 in New York City.
~ By Steven Yates
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In the shorts category, I watched some small works worthy of attention.
The Resemblance from Derek Nguyen goes into “Black Mirror” Territory with a story on grief.
Mooptopia from Delany Buffett takes on the shallow fleeting meaning of social media fame.
Five O listed many directors: Ismaïl Alaoui Fdili, Yassine Lassar Ramdani, Elsie Otinwa, Florence Fauquet, Ming Fai Sham Lourenço, Eloise Monmirel. A White Savior story mixed with Opera set in Paris.
Triggered from Tara Westwood brings home the gun debate in hard hitting way.
The biggest New York based film festival starts tomorrow. Tribeca unspools for ten days of filmmakers showcasing long and short works.
Back in 2017 during a Robert Pattinson press conference, I could not have imagined he would become Batman. Pattinson’s performance has been well received by fans. The blockbuster DC Comic film at the time of writing has grossed $500 million at the box office.
Check out the Black and Paper Chat Cinema Podcasts.
Chat Cinema talks to award-winning filmmaker Jon Alpert on his film LIFE OF CRIME. Screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the work shows lives on the fringe of American Society.
“Life of Crime” was screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
This episode of Chat Cinema talks to filmmakers Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping on their BAFTA nominated film FEMME.
Chat Cinema talks to filmmakers Tom Berkeley and Ross White about their ROY. The duo give us insight on making the timely film starring David Bradley.
This episode of Chat Cinema talks to award-winning director Murad Abu Eisheh about his work, TALAVISION. A short film centered on lost childhood innocence during the Syrian conflict.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam starts on January 26th. There are some interesting works on the 50th anniversary slate.
Below are some titles we are looking forward to watching.
Black and Paper will attend the festival virtual. Stay tuned for the interviews and reviews.
IFFR runs from January 26th to February 6th.