WET SEASON – ★★★

A film set in Singapore about a teacher and the relationship she has with her student. It tries to create a somewhat sympathetic view towards the relationship, but it didn’t really work for me. Overly long with little to maintain a lasting interest, but the performances were well done.

9TO5: THE STORY OF A MOVEMENT – ★★★★

Fantastic documentary about the women’s movement in America to push for equal rights for women in the workforce. I was aware of the film 9 to 5, but not aware of its origin in the movement and hard work of women before it. Depressingly, despite a push since the 1960s, women are still treated as second class in the workforce. I hope that by the end of 2020, we’ve all had enough time to reflect on the important things in this world, and that by the end of this decade or sooner, the world is a better place. If you’re not doing anything already, consider finding a local union to contribute to, or go directly to https://9to5.org and help out.

KUESSIPAN – ★★★★

Loved this French-Canadian drama about two First Nations girls who are life-long friends, and the exploration of how their lives go in separate directions. The difficulties that face the protagonist were well done, showing the various environmental and societal pressures that place so many barriers to the attempts at achieving their dreams.

ON THE RECORD – ★★★★☆

Should be mandatory viewing for just about everyone, especially young men. The stories that the brave women told about their treatment by men in power were distressing, and certainly lowered my already not very high opinion of the music industry. In this particular case, the added difficulties of being black women coming forward made it all the harder for them. But as they quite rightly pointed out, they were ones who were in a place to be heard. I feel for all the other women whose stories haven’t been told, or haven’t been listened to.

PAPER CHAMPIONS – no rating

After several heavy films I thought I’d finish the day with something lighter. Paper Champions is an Australian comedy filmed in not too far Geelong, about a printer salesman trying to find his confidence (or, as is repeatedly said, “Mana”). The trailer looked great, but it just didn’t launch for me and I stopped about halfway through, There was an awkwardness to the production that just didn’t click. I don’t have the heart to give it a bad rating as I think there was heart in it, and maybe after all the doom of previous films it was just the wrong place at the wrong time.

JUST 6.5 – ★★★☆

Iranian drama about police trying to fight a drug syndicate. Wasn’t terrible, but a little bit over-long and maybe a little overstated. The first part was interesting as it took on from the user level up the chain of dealers, but kind of plateaued after that.

BOYS STATE – ★★★★

Pretty incredible documentary about a week long event where young men create a pretend government by dividing between two parties and working to build into a government that matches that of Texas. Obviously, given it’s Texas, there’s a fair degree of right wing expressions, and with hundreds of 17 year old boys, testosterone and bro-ship seems rife. Many interesting moments where you see politics and a desire to win exceed personal ethics or morals. An extra mention for René Otero, a young man who stole the show, and who I can only hope has a bright future ahead, whatever he chooses to do.

SHIVA BABY – ★★★☆

A short (1hr 16m) American comedy about a young woman going to a wake, where she has to contend with family, friends of family, as well as her ex-girlfriend and a sugar daddy. If you like awkward and uncomfortable comedy, this will be right up your alley.

SERVANTS – ★★★

The black and white cinematography of this film is beautiful, but to be honest, the plot was a little hard for me to follow, possibly being the fourth film I saw today. It’s about two young priests entering a seminary and the conflict between the ideologies of the Catholic Church and the Czech government. Worth watching for the artful shots alone.

MOGUL MOWGLI – ★★★☆

Films can resonate with you for any number of reasons. Obviously seeing parallels to your own life, or experiences, or maybe even just the mood on the day. I’ll admit after 20 minutes I was worried that I wouldn’t make it through, as I’m not much into hiphop, but I’m glad I stuck with it. A film about the demons a British rapper of Pakastani descent facing a severe medical condition on the cusp of a break in his career. Very nicely filmed, and excellent portrayal of the need to be at peace with what the universe delivers.

SOME KIND OF HEAVEN – ★★★

Documentary about some of the residents in a large retirement village in Florida. It pitches itself as the perfect place for people of a certain age to spend the rest of the days, and this followed the lives of some of its residents. Somewhat depressingly, it seems that even in the golden years, you can see the same problems that young people face – for many of these residents, they are still trying to find the meaning of life, looking for love or companionship, or in the case of one less than likeable Californian, “a chick with money”.

FIRST COW – ★★★☆

The latest film by Kelly Reichardt, who did Wendy and Lucy at MIFF 2008. First Cow is a story set in the 1880s Pacific Northwest, of two men who become friends and try and plan for their future betterment. This involves stealing milk from the only cow in the region to meet the demand for their popular baked goods. It was slow, sometimes in good ways, sometimes in less good ways. I seem to be in the minority in not liking Wendy and Lucy, so the good news is that this one was better. Would I see it again? Probably not.