Inay
INAY (MAMA)
Thea Loo, Canada & Philippines, 2024, 56’, in English and Kampampangan, with English subtitles, Toronto Premiere
Vancouver FF 2024, Winner, Arbutus Award
Showtime: Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1:00PM
Preceded by short “
INAY delves into the emotional toll of Canada’s flawed immigration system, which
separated countless Filipino children from their mothers. Filmmaker Thea Loo and her
husband Jeremiah Reyes offer a deeply personal exploration of the long-lasting effects
of migrant labor on mental health and family bonds. Through heartfelt conversations,
this self-reflexive documentary seeks to heal the rift between first and
second-generation Filipino Canadians, uncovering the hidden trauma still felt by many today.
The Party’s Over (Fin de Fiesta)
Elena Manrique, Spain, 2024, 103’, in Spanish and French, with English subtitles
Valladolid FF 2024, Nominated, Best Film
Showtime: Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 3:00PM
The Party’s Over follows Carmina, a privileged woman living in southern Spain, whose life of inherited wealth revolves around fitness and extravagant soirées. As a divorced, childless woman, Carmina enjoys respect and freedom in her sprawling manor but remains emotionally disconnected from those around her. Her world is thrown into disarray when Bilal, a young immigrant from Senegal, takes refuge in her toolshed. Carmina, with her unpredictable whims, soon ropes Bilal into becoming her reluctant companion. Meanwhile, her stern housekeeper Lupe, who initially distrusts Bilal, begins to see in him a kindred spirit, and the two form a subtle alliance as they navigate Carmina’s manipulative grasp. In her debut film, director Elena Manrique explores themes of power, vulnerability, and connection, blending moments of sharp realism with tenderness and humor.
Champions of the Golden Valley
Ben Sturgulewski, Afghanistan, Germany, United States, 2024, 80 min, in Farsi Dari and English, with English subtitles, Toronto Premiere
Heartland IFF 2024, Winner, Audience Choice Award; Official Selection: Tribeca FF 2024, DC/DOX FF 2024, Denver FF 2024, Austin FF 2024
Showtime: Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 5:30
In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. However, after the shocking collapse of their country, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, and must call upon the lessons learned in the mountains of their homeland.
In “Champions of the Golden Valley,” filmmaker Ben Sturgulewski masterfully captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with the poignant narrative of a community grappling with profound change – revealing what it means to be a champion, in all its forms.
SOULEYMANE’S STORY (L’HISTOIRE DE SOULEYMANE)
Boris Lojkine, France, 2024, 92 min, in French, with English subtitles
Cannes FF 2024, Un Certain Regard Best Performance, and Jury Prize, Nominated, Un Certain Regard Award; Jerusalem FF 2024, Winner, Best International Film; Reykjavik FF 2024, Nominated, Best Film; Pingyao FF 2024, Winner, Best Director, Nominated, Best Film
Showtime: Saturday, November 9 2024, at 7:30PM
In Boris Lojkine’s fourth film, the story follows Souleymane (Abou Sangare), an undocumented immigrant from Guinea, over two intense days in Paris. Working as a bike courier, he grapples with the demands of the gig economy, delivering food from morning to night under a rented account within a precarious underground system. While struggling to prepare for an upcoming asylum interview, Souleymane faces the pressures of meeting his broker’s demands for paperwork and payment, all while adhering to the strict rules of his shelter. Amid the chaotic streets, brief moments of warmth and connection highlight his resilience, whether through camaraderie with fellow couriers or tender exchanges with customers. First-time actor Sangare delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Souleymane’s vulnerability and quiet strength, culminating in an emotionally charged asylum interview that will determine his future. Combining the urgency of a thriller with the depth of social drama, Souleymane’s Story offers a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience in modern urban life.
Trailer: http://inter.pyramidefilms.com/images/films/1714/the-story-of-souleymane-trailer.mp4