WOMEN STAR IN CINE EUROPA
These films are not envisioned just for women but for men as well so that both can relive history, and at the same time, either challenge or appreciate or simply better understand the current structures of today’s societies
In this year’s Cine Europa, the persevering spirit, strength and women empowerment are prominent in at least five films: She is the Other Gaze (Austria); Women on the Run (Czechia); Let the Girls Play (France) The Conductor (Netherlands); and And Then We Danced (Sweden).
Women have shown the world what they can do beyond their nurturing character. Filmmaker Christiana Perschon in the film She is the Other Gaze has allowed women born between 1936 and 1943 to share their narratives in patriarchal structures in societies and families. What is striking in this film is the passion and positivity of the protagonists.
Meanwhile, Women on the Run from
Czechia delineates the story of how Věra is determined to fulfill the last wish of Jindřich, who was to run a marathon. She and her daughters would split up the route into four parts, to overcome the over 42-kilometer-long challenge as a family relay team. But life, just like the race, can be full of surprises.
Women on the Run is about not giving up in life and striving all the more when the finish line is within reach.
The Conductor is based on the true story of the Dutch- born Antonia Brico who was the world’s first woman who successfully conducted a large symphony orchestra in the 1920s.
An endearing, coming-of-age film amidst the conservative modern Tbilisi, And Then We Danced from Sweden features Merab, a competitive dancer who is challenged by the arrival of Irakli, another male dancer with rebellious streak.
Football is also for girls, as the French comic film Let the Girls Play by Julien Hallard will show how every girl can play as well as the boys.
These films are, however, not envisioned just for women but for men as well so that both can relive history, and at the same time, either challenge, appreciate or better understand the current structures of today’s societies.
You just have to see for yourselves.
Nineteen films including these “women’s films” from 20 European countries are accessible right at the flick of your fingertips upon signing up at www.cineeuropaph.com.
This year’s films come from Festival Scope, the EU’s library of quality films, which complements films from the European embassies in Manila.
The films are presented by the EU Delegation, the European Union member states embassies and Embassy of Switzerland, cultural institutes including Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes Manila and the Philippine-Italian Association.
Cine Europa continues with its educational component as professional speakers are expected to share and engage with Filipino cinephiles in various subjects ranging from directing, producing and promoting film masterpieces. GAB SANTILLAN