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International Film Festival Christmas 2024 in the Van

Vaazhai – India 2024

This is a Tamil drama set in a rural village in the south of India based around the lives of a 12 year old boy, Sivanandan, who just about balances his school life with the local work, carrying bananas, or ‘lugging’. It is a hard-hitting portrayal of young Sivanandan, and the mental battles he fights in the face of overwhelming odds. Poverty is the norm here, and education really only a dream. Life revolves around the banana plantation. It’s a simply told tale of a boy being forced into adult responsibilities too soon, yet it is beautifully told with wonderful cinematography, and is also based on a true story. 

IMDb score 7.7 / 10 – My score 8 / 10

Vermiglio – Italy 2024

is based in a mountain village in the Italian Alps in the last days of the Second World War.  There’s no rush with the narrative, its beauty lies in the pace that forces the viewer to watch and listen. The story follows Pietro, a deserter, taken into the house of a local teacher, and gradually becomes involved in the lives of all the community. The backdrop is splendid, but the characters somewhat emotionally distant. 

IMDb score 6.9 / 10 – My score 6 / 10

Do Not Expect Too Much From The End Of The World –  Romania 2024

This is a satire on human nature under capitalism  and follows a sixteen hour working day in the life of a woman, Angela, driving around Bucharest for her job as a film production assistant, making a safety video. It’s very funny in places, and something quite different to any other film I’ve seen. 

IMDb score 7.4 / 10 – My score 7 / 10

Grave Torture – Indonesia 2024

this is an Indonesian horror film from the director, Joko Anwar, who made the award winning <i>Impetigore</i>. Anwar builds tension steadily creating an atmosphere that in itself is chilling. 

IMDb score 6.2 / 10 – My score 6 / 10