For many film enthusiasts, navigating through the extensive lineup of the 2024 BFI London Film Festival can be an overwhelming experience. That initial burst of excitement often gives way to uncertainty and even a bit of dread. Which films deserve your time? Which titles might be worth the risk? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’re here to guide you with a curated list of 20 intriguing films that fall outside the festival’s main gala and competition categories. Some of these artistic gems were discovered at other festivals; others have made our personal watch lists, and we’re eager to share them with you.
First on our list is A Fidai Film, a unique experiment by Kamal Aljafari. The film revisits a fraught moment in history: the 1982 Israeli invasion of Beirut. Through innovative and poetic use of archival footage, it seeks to restore Palestinian narratives from before and after the 1948 Nakba, challenging historical amnesia and visual dispossession.
Next, in the Treasures strand, we feature a restoration of Yasuzô Masumura’s 1967 work, Manji. This sexploitation melodrama delves into the complicated lives of two women who find themselves enmeshed in forbidden love, leading to dramatic consequences against a vibrant backdrop.
Another choice worth considering is Collective Monologue, directed by Jessica Sarah Rinland. This documentary takes an empathetic look at the lives of animals residing in zoos and sanctuaries across Argentina, urging viewers to connect emotionally with animal perspectives, transcending human-centric storytelling.
Daniel Hui’s Small Hours of the Night advances a different narrative through experimental docu-fiction. Shot in stark 16mm close-ups, it offers a haunting view of a woman’s experience during times of political turmoil in Singapore, utilizing masterful light and shadow play to weave its story.
In a morally charged narrative, Julie Keeps Quiet dives deep into the psyche of a young tennis player played by Ruth Becquart. This film examines her internal struggle regarding whether to speak out against an abusive coach, risking her career and autonomy in the process.
Chinese documentarian Wang Bing’s Youth (Homecoming) presents an astute portrayal of young workers in China’s textile industry. The film eschews overt political messages, opting instead for a raw observation of their quest for better wages and opportunities.
The narrative takes a philosophical turn with Grand Tour, where Portuguese director Miguel Gomes navigates themes of love and colonialism. Following a bride on her quest to find the groom who abandoned her, the film poses significant questions about narrative and cultural memory.
Göran Olsson’s Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989 offers a three-and-a-half-hour documentary experience, meticulously piecing together archival footage to reveal how media has influenced perceptions of the Palestine conflict.
Collective Summoning presents a triad of innovative shorts that intertwine themes of ritual and myth across different cultures. The films prompt discussions around solidarity and shared histories across Palestine, Thailand, and Iran.
Universal Language is a whimsical exploration featuring Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin. In a story set in a surreal blend of Winnipeg and Tehran, it follows a young girl’s odd adventure sparked by a frozen banknote, showcasing the lengths some will go for authenticity in cinema.
The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire sheds light on the life of an unsung hero in Afro-Surrealism. Multidisciplinary artist Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich crafts a visually expressive homage to Césaire, who defied convention, exploring deep narratives often overshadowed by her husband’s legacy.
Marva Nabili’s The Sealed Soil is a restoration of the earliest surviving Iranian film made by a woman. The poignant tale focuses on a young woman’s struggle against patriarchal constraints and her journey of resistance, a narrative relevant even today.
Meanwhile, Chain Reactions takes a reflective look at cinema history through the lens of Swiss filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe. Tied to the 50th anniversary of Tobe Hooper’s cult classic, the documentary provides insights from various industry experts while critiquing its lasting effects on horror.
Pedro Martín-Calero’s debut, The Wailing, is described as a Spanish It Follows, drawing viewers into a psychological horror narrative. It explores a woman’s harrowing search for her biological mother, brimming with unexpected twists and haunting consequences.
A delightful take on baseball culture can be found in Eephus Journey, where viewers aren’t required to be sports enthusiasts to appreciate its deeper themes. The film critiques societal structures through the lens of players preparing for a final game on a demolition-bound field.
Tsai Ming-liang’s Abiding Nowhere marks an intriguing entry in his ongoing “Walker” series. Following actor Lee Kang-sheng as he traverses diverse landscapes in slow movement, the film invites contemplation on time, space, and the art of wandering.
I’m Still Here stands as a testament to the talents of Brazilian director Walter Salles. This narrative film intertwines the story of a congressman, Rubens Paiva, with that of his resilient mother Eunice, portrayed with rich depth by Fernanda Torres, conveying themes of loss and resilience.
In a poetic showcase, The Treasury of Human Inheritance highlights the importance of care and community through a series of shorts that touch on various aspects of human connections, grounded in crisis and compassion.
Lastly, Harvest by Athina Rachel Tsangari provides a rich visual feast that critiques industrialization’s impact on nature. Set in a medieval village, it portrays the tension between community values and capitalist expansion.
The Stimming Pool, a product of The Neurocultures Collective, presents a powerful portrayal of neurodiversity, seeking to immerse viewers into the experience of an autistic artist through both literal and metaphorical lenses.
This curated list embodies the eclectic spirit of the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, inviting audiences to explore the depths of cinema beyond the mainstream. Embrace the diversity of stories and perspectives presented this year, and you’re bound to discover films that resonate long after the credits roll.