MIFF 2011: Our Picks of the Final Sections

Due to the small selection of films in the following sections, we have decided to end on what sessions we would like to see in each of them. Concluding with picks from Prime Time, Retrospectives, Next Gen and the Shorts, we hope you have enjoyed our feature previews of the MIFF programme. Stay tuned for more!

PRIME TIME

Mysteries of Lisbon | dir. Raul Ruiz | POR/FRA
One of the most complex and frustrating filmmakers (watch Shattered Image if you don?t believe me), Ruiz?s newest effort is a six-part miniseries condensed to a four-and-a-half hour theatrical release. An adaptation of Camilo Castelo Branco?s saga of the same name, it has been praised for its intertwining characters and layered development of its narrative. A must-see for those appreciative of the filmmaker?s work.

The Screen Illusion | dir. Mathieu Amalric | FRA
Those that saw On Tour earlier this year are keenly aware of Amalric?s talents both on-and-off the screen. Again in the director?s chair, his The Screen Illusion is a modern take on a 17th century play, without varying from the original alexandrine couplets. Shot in 12 days, this is further emphasis of Amalric?s incredible handle on film.

MIFF 60TH RETROSPECTIVES

An Autumn Afternoon | dir. Yasujiro Ozu | JPN
His final film, Ozu directs regular actor Chishu Ryu in a delicate narrative reminiscent of his earlier works, discussing nostalgia and loss. Featuring his recognised tatami shot and unique form of ellipsis, Ozu?s An Autumn Afternoon is an intimate film that closes the work of a magical filmmaker.

Class Relations | dir. Jean-Marie Straub, Daniele Huillet | WEST GERMANY/FRA
Based on Kafka?s unfinished novel, ?Amerika?, Straub and Huillet shot most of this commentary on capitalist society in West Germany, during a period where class relations were still pertinent. With luscious black and white photography and understated performances, it is the framing and relationship of shots which tell much of the story.

The King of Comedy | dir. Martin Scorsese | USA
Underappreciated and seemingly forgotten, Scorsese?s The King of Comedy is filled with incredible performances from Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard about a delusional man who will go to any lengths to do a routine on Jerry?s show. It is creepy but Scorsese?s slamming of celebrity culture is simply stunning.

NEXT GEN

Falling For Sahara | dir. Khoa Do | AUS
Director Khoa Do co-wrote the film with his cast of African-Australian actors, refugees recently arrived from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia, with Falling for Sahara being the second film in his ?refugee trilogy?. Featuring a tale of love and competition, this looks like a terrific little piece.

My Wedding and Other Secrets | dir. Roseanne Liang | NZ
Roseanne Liang comes back to Melbourne after her 2005 documentary Banana in a Nutshell to bring a charming romantic comedy about cross-cultural relationships that could happen anywhere in the Western world. Honest but funny, this is one younger attendees should really enjoy.

SHORT FILM PROGRAMS

Accelerator 1
Featuring the award-winning The Palace and interesting shorts such as At the Formal and The Stranger, the Accelerator 1 selection showcases some of the best emerging filmmakers in Australian and New Zealand.

O Canada!
Obviously, this choice is because of the inclusion of Spike Jonze?s amazing Scenes from the Suburbs, which is just further evidence of the talent this filmmaker has. Nevertheless, there are other strong shorts in this group, such as How to Rid Your Lover of a Negative Emotion Caused by You! and It is Nothing.

Hopefully this list helps decide your picks in the section. If you have already bought tickets to any films in Prime Time, Retrospective, Next Gen or Shorts, we would love to know your choices and your most anticipated of the category!

Source: http://www.atthecinema.net/miff-2011-our-picks-of-the-rest

evan rachel wood amnesia the dark descent amnesia the dark descent audio audio potter potter