THE Glasgow Film Festival is returning for its 18th year this March, with an enviable programme of hand-selected films from all over the world.
Running from March 2-13 at the Glasgow Film Theatre, festival strands this year include African Stories – “a collection of films celebrating the rich diversity of life in countries across Africa” – and FrightFest – horror flicks described as “an extravaganza of the dark arts”.
We've put together some of our top picks from this year’s festiva.
YUNI (Fri, March 4 – Sat, March 5)
Yuni is a teenage girl from Indonesia with dreams of attending university. When two men she barely knows ask to marry her, she rejects their proposals, sparking gossip about a myth that a woman who rejects three proposals will never marry. Yuni is a tale about defying convention, and rebelling against society’s expectations on women and forging your own path.
THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD (Fri, March 4 – Sat, March 5)
We follow Julie as she looks to find her place and sense of belonging in the world, trying to discover who she is and what she wants from life – at times concluding that she must be the “worst person in the world”. Filmed across Norway, France, Sweden and Denmark, this film looks to embrace the messy chaos of life. The screening on Friday, March 4 will be followed by a Q&A with cast member Anders Danielsen Lie.
THE BRAVES (Tues, March 8 – Wed, March 9)
Margot, a waitress, and Alma, a nail technician, are two best friends holding on to the energy of their youth and their burning desire to make it big. When Alma lands the lead role in a play, Margot is cast as her understudy. When Alma falls ill, Margot might have to replace her – can their ride-or-die friendship can get them through?
SAMBIZANGA (Sun, March 6 – Mon 7, March 7)
This 1972 film, newly restored, was banned in Angola until the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 due to its anti-colonial themes. Maria tries to find her husband after he becomes a political prisoner because of his loyalties to the resistance. The screening on Sunday, March 6 will be followed by a Q&A with Annouchka De Andrade, hosted by Liz Chege, festival director for Africa in Motion.
KARMALINK (Thurs, March 10 – Fri, March 11)
In near-future Phnom Penh, a teenage boy teams up with a street-smart girl from his neighborhood to untangle the mystery of his past-life dreams. What begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries that will either end in digital enlightenment or a total loss of identity.
CASABLANCA BEATS (Wed, March 9 – Thurs, March 10)
Part documentary, part fiction, former rapper Anas takes a job at a cultural centre in a working-class neighbourhood in Casablanca. Encouraged by their new teacher, his students (portrayed by real-life students enrolled in The Positive School of Hip–Hop) use hip-hop to express and give voice to the issues that matter to them.
LOVE LIFE AND GOLDFISH (Sun, March 6 – Mon, March 7)
Makoto’s world comes crashing down after losing his job as an elite banker and being sent to the countryside. Sullen, he retreats into daydreams of fantasy and reverie. By chance he meets Yoshino, the owner of a goldfish scooping store. Soon a love triangle forms – with a musical twist. Director Yukinori Makabe will be attending the screening on Sunday, March 6 for a Q&A session.
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