Last week, my in-box and my social media feed were full of cancellations. Screenings, film festivals and museums: everything I was looking forward to or contributing to was cancelled or shelved. Understandable and sensible. But also maddening, and a loss of income for me and many others in the cultural sector. Still, there are things we can do.
Not to go crazy while in self-isolation, but also to sponsor the arts. There are paid and affordable options to keep seeing films. You don't necessarily have to branch out to Netflix or Amazon Prime, you can also support your local movie house through Picl, IFFR missed films view or watch via Cinetree. All ways to support the film industry and see great films
Here are my top 5 films you can stream at home that keep your spirits up. In no particular order, but all 5 are dear to my heart.
Varda par Agnès by Agnès Varda
This film great's latest film is one in which she herself speaks. About her work, her way of making films, the choices and her curious eyes. With her vast body of work spanning from nouvelle vague to installations, she embodies much of French cinema history. And she is an utterly charming and humorous storyteller. After seeing this film, you'll probably want to watch her entire oeuvre. Do! In all her work, you taste a great love for people. We could use that right now.
King of the Cruise by Sophie Dros
A documentary about a pompous baron parading around cruise ships in kilt or his royal dressing gown. Now that we all really don't want or are not allowed on those ships any more, it is interesting to see what it is like on the swankiest ships. Awful. Chic boredom is as deadly as the usual variety and the guests are not the kind I like to spend 14 days with in an enclosed space. Even if it is that big.
At first glance, the baron, Baron Ronald Busch Reisinger of Inneryne, is a striking gentleman with an inflated ego. Everyone should know that he is a baron and has A LOT of land. Gradually, that image changes and he becomes smaller and more human and lonelier. Beautiful portrait of this man and a kind of life few lead.
Here Come the Video Freaks by Jon Nealon and Jenny Raskin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU82nETXer8
A few years ago, I saw this documentary about the pioneers of video. Makers who took to the streets with the first consumer cameras and filmed everything that was loose and unstable. They were at rallies of the Black Panthers, for example. This film is not only a rise and fall of this group of people, but also a social history and media history. You will see unique material and learn something.
El Cant des Ocels - Albert Serra
This is one for the lover of unruly films. When I saw it in Rotterdam, half the audience walked out. I usually end up with a big grin just then. This film by Albert Serra follows the search of the three wise men from the east for the manger of baby Jesus. This does not happen without a struggle. and in a landscape deserted of god and everyone. As a viewer, you also have to search a bit in this film, it doesn't make it easy for you. But oh how beautiful it is!
Woman by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Anastasia Mikova
Woman by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Anastasia Mikova is just out in cinemas. An ode to women worldwide. Arthus-Bertrand became known for The Earth from Heaven, a series of nature documentaries of which a book was also made. His work is a feast for the eyes. Woman shows a whole range of women's lives and celebrates the power of women worldwide. It is very easy to dismiss a film like this as eye candy, but so what? Hard times call for a humanistic view and beauty. A morale booster for when you're feeling a little down with all the corona news.
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