Digital Film Program: Recommendations from the Artistic Director
Lasse Skagen presents his recommendations from our digital film selection.
Lasse Skagen is Artistic Director at Oslo Festival Agency and Head of Programming at Films From the South. He's been part of the festival team ever since the very first Films From the South at the University of Oslo in 1991. The below are his personal recommendation from our digital film program.
Indonesian Teen Girl Drama
Child brides are once again subjects of current social and political debate, but this is definitely not the only thing that made Yuni a very worthy winner of the Platform Prize at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. This portrait of a 16-year-old girl is life-affirming, tender, warm, and determined. First time feature film actor Arawinda Kirana delivers a beautiful interpretation in the titular role. Strongly recommended.
Mexican Look at Femicide
The winner of this year's Courage Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, shines a harsh light on the gruesome reality surrounding femicide in today's Mexico. It is also a nail biting thriller that you won't be able to look away from. Veteran actor Arcelia Ramírez is hugely impressive in the lead role, and gives a haunting face to the countless Mexican mothers who go through the same ordeal.
South African Period Drama
If period dramas with complicated love stories across social classes are your thing, then Dream Forest is for you. Based on the popular book series Forest Novels by South African author Dalene Matthees, 17-year-old Karoliena invites us into her organic relationship with the forest of Knysna – and her relationship with the wealthy shop owner Johannes. Elani Dekker is brilliant as Karoliena, and makes the film a highly memorable experience.