Black Maiden: Chapter Q (2019)

The True Story of Ah Q

Based on the 1921 novella of the same name by one of China's most well-known modern writers, Lu Xun (Lu Hsun), the True Story of Ah Q is set during the 1911 revolution. Ah Q is a lowly peasant who wants to rise above his class, or at least get out of his grinding poverty. At first he thinks the way to do it is by marrying into a better station in life; later, he joins the revolution as he feels that is the only way he and others like him can transcend poverty. In this film version of Lu Xun's story, the character of Ah Q might benefit from a more rounded humanity to make him appealing to those not familiar with the harsh environment in China before the 1911 revolution.

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

Ram and Sita had always shared a deep bond over their love for music and devotion. One day, their close friend Shiva invited them for a casual gathering. Over cups of tea and lively conversations, Shiva suggested, "Why don't we create a music video dedicated to the hymn Om Jai Jagdish Hare? It could be a beautiful tribute to Lord Ganesh and other Hindu gods." Inspired by the idea, Ram and Sita immediately agreed. They reached out to their other friends-Laxmi, Vishnu, and Ganesh-for help. Together, they worked tirelessly, blending their talents in music, direction, and production. They chose serene temple locations and vibrant cultural elements to bring the video to life, ensuring it conveyed the essence of devotion and harmony. When the video was finally completed, it was a masterpiece of devotion and creativity. As they watched the final cut together, Ram smiled and said, "This video isn't just about the gods; it's about faith, friendship, and trusting in goodness.

Ruben

Desperately trying to come to terms with his sexuality, gay teenager Ruben finds his path to sexual acceptance complicated, as homophobic bullying brings him ever closer to the brink of suicide.

Kolobok

A collection of cartoons, each of which is a uniquely decorated folk tale.

Being John Smith

Being John Smith is a deceptively wry and deeply felt work by the English avant-garde legend, in which Smith reflects on his life and career by way of his generic name, grappling with his own mortality and legacy, through a minimal, unassuming deployment of text, image, and voice.

Phantoms of Nabua

The story based on the mysterious portrait of the town of Nabua in northeastern Thailand. Soon after nightfall when the crepuscular violets concede to blackness, the wind's rustling intensifies and the boys come out to play.

By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume One

Working completely outside the mainstream, the wildly prolific, visionary Stan Brakhage made more than 350 films over a half century. Challenging all taboos in his exploration of “birth, sex, death, and the search for God,” he has turned his camera on explicit lovemaking, childbirth, even autopsy. Many of his most famous works pursue the nature of vision itself and transcend the act of filming. Some, including the legendary Mothlight, were made without using a camera at all, as he pioneered the art of making images directly on film, by drawing, painting, and scratching.

Tempting Heart

A female director decides to make a autobiographical film on her love life and we see it through the use of flashbacks and brilliant intercutting.

Boy Soldiers: The Secret War In Okinawa

The greatest taboo of the Battle of Okinawa were Guerrilla units composed of boy soldiers. Until now, not even the Japanese people knew the full scope of these secret troops, and survivors have been afraid to share their tragic details. Okinawa became the bulwark to protect the Japanese mainland toward the end of World War II. After the Americans landed, a violent battle ensued resulting in the loss of over 200,000 lives – many of them civilian. This documentary uncovers Japan’s deepest secrets concerning the Battle of Okinawa, and also sounds alarms about modern Japan’s recent steps toward remilitarization.

Guest from Kuban

A young man comes to work to kolkhoz where no one knows that he has no experience whatsoever.

The Evil Marriage

Once upon a time, in a far away, across the dark jungle, a castle in the sky, there lived a king of Evils with his evil guards. One day, one of his magicians showed the magic mirror and shows a beautiful human girl in this mirror, and told that if he wants to continue to be a king he must marry this girl. The story of "The Evil Marriage movie" revolves around the character of "Nur" (a human girl) who was kidnapped by the Evil's king guards and took her to unfamiliar world where she will have to marry the evil in order for others to live. But, there is someone who sneaks into the dark jungle to reach the evil castle and rescues her.

Hide and Seek

A young boy runs away from an approved school to meet up with his father in the hope that he can persuade his dad to allow him to travel to Canada with him. He also meets up with two local children and discovers that his father is instead planning a bank heist.

Life of a Mutt

Through seven scenes, the film follows the life and destinies of stray dogs from the margins of our society, leading us to reconsider our attitude towards them. Through the seven “wandering” characters that we follow at different ages, from birth to old age, we witness their dignified struggle for survival. At the cemetery, in an abandoned factory, in an asylum, in a landfill, in places full of sorrow, our heroes search for love and togetherness. By combining documentary material, animation and acting interpretation of the thoughts of our heroes, we get to know lives between disappointment and hope, quite similar to ours.

Ode to Passion

In New York City, a young writer's resolute belief in true love is put to the test by a beautiful girl and her struggle with addiction. This original rock musical drama is made unique by its non-musical scenes spoken purely in verse.

Naked Night

On the evening of his wedding to the beautiful Shewa, Pourya receives a startling revelation from his secretary Sholeh in front of all the guests. Desperate to win back Shewa's favor, he goes to the office to confront Sholeh, only to receive another nasty shock. Desperate to escape his circumstances, Pourya takes drastic action to ensure no one will bother him again. Now, years later, Pourya wants to right the wrongs of the past, but at what cost? Intense drama combines with exciting thrills in this superb film. Featuring a stunning soundtrack by Shadmehr Aghili, this film is as tense as it is atmospheric.

Trees

Wrapping the audience in waves of sound, Alberi takes us on a circular journey through the Italian countryside. The marvelous natural music at the tops of the eponymous trees makes way for the rhythmic cadence of civilization—men baring axes and the natural clatter of daily life—before their unforgettable return home from the forest. The singular artistry of director Michelangelo Frammartino (Le quatro volte) is beautifully displayed in this mesmerizing homage to nature.

A Violent World

Two brothers rob a truck full of smartphones in a desperate attempt to escape their lives.