Jihlava festival celebrates the power of documentaries with an eclectic lineup
The 28th Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival is set to captivate audiences from October 25 to November 3 with an impressive slate of 340 films. A staggering 129 of these are world premieres, alongside 23 international premieres and 11 European debuts, making it a significant event on the global documentary calendar.
A tribute to cinematic visionaries
Jihlava is honoring the contributions of Swiss filmmaker Anne Marie Miéville, providing a deep dive into her cinematic universe. Attendees will also be treated to a showcase of films by the eminent Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang. The retrospectives offer a unique opportunity to explore the masterful storytelling and visual aesthetics that these directors bring to the screen.
Spotlight on renowned filmmakers
This year, the festival will feature in-person appearances from several acclaimed directors. Kirsten Johnson, the mind behind this year’s festival trailer, will share her insights on the evolution of film from celluloid to digital in a comprehensive masterclass. Discover more about Johnson’s work.
Italian director Roberto Minervini will discuss his narrative techniques and introduce his latest works, including “The Damned,” a poignant depiction of the U.S. Civil War in 1862, and his earlier documentary, “Stop the Pounding Heart.” Minervini’s approach centers around building rich, narrative-driven stories, reflecting a constant in his cinematic philosophy.
Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra will present “Afternoons of Solitude,” an aesthetically captivating exploration of the world of the toreador star Andrés Roca Rey. Romanian director Andrei Ujică returns to Jihlava after 13 years with “TWST: Things We Said Today,” a cinematic essay exploring the remnants of 1960s America.
Diverse competition sections
Opus Bonum: Global trends in documentary filmmaking
The Opus Bonum section is a competitive category featuring 13 films that reflect the latest trends and tendencies in global documentary filmmaking. Poland’s Tomasz Wolski presents “A Year in the Life of a Country,” a collage of archival footage depicting the response to the Solidarity trade union movement in 1981.
First Lights: Celebrating emerging talent
This section highlights the first and second feature films of burgeoning directors. Belgian film “Me + You” by Zohra Benhammou and Romy Mana follows the evolving bond between two sisters over four years, while “Comrades” by Joanna Janikowska offers an insightful look at young members of the Italian Communist Party. Explore more about Benhammou and Mana.
Australian filmmaker Audrey Lam’s “Us and the Night” provides a whimsical, poetic journey set in the imagined world of libraries, further showcasing the creative potential of new talent.
Czech Joy: Homegrown documentary brilliance
Czech Joy celebrates the best in local documentary cinema with 21 films. Zora Čápová’s “Pit Stop Reporter” delves into the life of award-winning reporter Ivana Svobodová and her battles with the world of “alternative media.”
Marie Dvořáková’s “World Between Us” captures the American dream of Czech photographer Marie Tomanová in New York, portraying her journey from obscurity to significant success. Another highlight includes Filip Remunda’s “Happiness to All”, which mirrors the current political landscape through the eyes of Vitaly, a patriot from Novosibirsk who reassesses his views on Putin’s Russia. Discover more on Remunda’s film.
Testimonies: Examining crucial global issues
The Testimonies section features 15 films that tackle significant social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Notable entries include Jeremy Xido’s “The Bones,” which delves into the illegal dinosaur bone trade, and Sally Aitken’s “Every Little Thing,” a visually enchanting narrative about a woman who cares for injured hummingbirds in Los Angeles.
In-Soo Radstake’s “Selling a Colonial War” revisits the 1945 Indonesian independence struggle and the subsequent Dutch efforts to frame the conflict as a humanitarian mission. This section’s lineup underscores the documentary’s power to provoke thought and inspire change.
Experimental documentaries: Future-forward storytelling
Jihlava consistently pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. The Fascinations international competition section highlights dystopian themes and imagery, pondering future scenarios. “Chronicles of the Dark Sun” by Gwenola Wagon explores the necessity of protecting Earth from extreme environmental changes.
The Czech Exprmntl.cz section features 14 experimental films, including Franc Milec’s “Ecopoiesis,” an investigation into the potential for creating new ecosystems from inanimate elements. These films highlight the innovative spirit driving contemporary documentary filmmaking.
Engaging retrospectives
In addition to showcasing current works, the festival will offer retrospectives of Slovak State films, the collaborative works of Vít Klusák and Filip Remunda, and a precursor to AI-created cinema. The standout retrospective celebrates 10 films by Anne-Marie Miéville, offering an intimate look at her creative journey alongside Jean-Luc Godard.
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