In a world where most of us compete to be noticed, Benedetta Barzini wants to disappear. But before the former model, slash journalist, slash women’s rights activist goes quietly into that horizon rowing her wooden boat, or climbing through the woods backpack in tow, her son Beniamino Barrese wants to film her for all to see. And to remember her always. Or, as he says off camera at the start of his stunning documentary ‘The Disappearance of My Mother’ — “I was not ready to let her go.”
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From left Deborah Feldmann, Rokudenashiko, Leyla Hussein, Vithika Yadav and Doris Wagner
'#Female Pleasure' in Locarno: Glow in the dark vagina giveaways, woman power and calling out the misogyny in religion
Yes, that is a mouthful up there and quite a loaded title, I agree.
But Barbara Miller's latest documentary, '#Female Pleasure' which premiered in Locarno in their Semaine de la Critique sidebar and walked away with the Zonta Club Locarno Price for Extraordinary Social Commitment is a film chock-full of important messages and loaded with human causes. So, nothing less than a long title could do.
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Neta Riskin and Golshifteh Farahani, photographed by Eitan Riklis ©
Eran Riklis' 'Shelter': Because women will always end up making things right!
If you are looking for a film with a quick resolution featuring an already oft-seen story with predictable themes, twists and turns -- look elsewhere. Eran Riklis' latest 'Shelter' will not provide you with the thrills you seek. But for those of us who need a little thinking with our entertainment, 'Shelter' unfolds at its own pace, to become a manifesto of women's strength in these #MeToo times, and provides a sultry, subdued story that makes watching Riklis' film a true delight.
The outstanding thing about the work of the Israeli filmmaker who brought us such gems as 'Lemon Tree', 'The Syrian Bride', 'Zaytoun' and more recently 'A Borrowed Identity' is that Riklis takes his time to weave his tales. We the audience, carry our own responsibility when watching a film and at no time is this more apparent than during 'Shelter'. As with most of Riklis' previous work, his latest film demands of us the patience to allow the story to unfold, because the director's intentions are always big, beautiful and fair.
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