Skip to content Skip to footer

Feature Films

 

Overcoming

Besire Paralik 63' 2023 Cyprus

RESCHEDULED Fri 08.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

On the 20th anniversary of the opening of crossing points, OVERCOMING tells the inspiring story of Cypriot women, queers, and antimilitarist cismen challenging militarism and gender norms. Through diverse interviews, the film explores how the opening and closing of the checkpoints, as the sole passageways between north and south, have impacted the lives of Cypriots while revealing their struggles against the ongoing division of the island and their efforts towards a more united future.

 

Will-o'-the-Wisp

João Pedro Rodrigues 67' 2022 Portugal France

Fri 08.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

On his deathbed, his royal highness Alfredo, King without a crown, is taken back to distant youth memories and the time he dreamt of becoming a fireman. The encounter with instructor Afonso from the fire brigade, opens a new chapter in the life of the two young men immersed in love and desire, and the will to change the status quo.

 

All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White

Babatunde Apalowo 92' 2023 Nigeria

Sat 09.09 17:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

Bambino and Bawa meet in Lagos and hit it off immediately. During their long trips around the city, they develop a deep affection for each other. But in a society which considers homosexuality taboo, they feel the pressure of social norms.

 

Blue Jean

Georgia Oakley 97' 2022 UK

Sat 09.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

In Georgia Oakley’s stunning directorial debut BLUE JEAN, it’s 1988 England and Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government is about to pass a law stigmatizing gays and lesbians, forcing Jean, a gym teacher, to live a double life. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new student catalyzes a crisis that will challenge Jean to her core.

 

The Five Devils

Léa Mysius 104' 2022 France

POSTPONED

Eight-year-old Vicky has a mysterious gift: she can recreate any scent she comes across, even that of her beloved mother Joanne. When her estranged aunt suddenly returns to town, the invocation of her fragrance plunges the young girl back in time to unravel a past replete with family secrets and queer romance.

 

Rurangi

Max Currie 87' 2020 New Zealand

Mon 11.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

After skipping town a decade ago, transgender activist Caz Davis returns to the remote, politically divided dairy community of Rurangi, hoping to reconnect with his estranged father, who hasn't heard from him since before Caz transitioned.

 

Who I Am Not

Tunde Skovran 105' 2023 South Africa Romania

Tue 12.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

What makes a male, what makes a female, where do we draw the line, and why does it matter? Sharon-Rose Khumalo, the beauty queen with male genetics who struggles with gender dysphoria, needs the guidance of somebody just like her. But the only person who will help is Dimakatso Sebidi, a male-presenting intersex activist who turns out to be her complete opposite. The two parallel but divergent stories are an intimate look at the struggle of living in a male-female world, when you are both or neither. "Who I Am Not" gives a voice to the long ignored and mostly silent two percent of the world's population: the intersex community.

 

Design For Living

Ernst Lubitsch 91' 1933 USA

Wed 13.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

Painter George and playwright Thomas are two Americans sharing a Paris apartment. They're also rivals for the affection of commercial artist Gilda. When the plucky Gilda moves in, with the express understanding that there will be no funny business, the rivalry between George and Thomas heats up even further. Then Thomas heads to London when one of his plays is being produced there, leaving George free to make his move. OR A woman cannot decide between two men who love her, and the trio agree to try living together in a platonic friendly relationship.

 

Bread And Salt

Damian Kocur 99' 2022 Poland

Thu 14.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

Inspired by true events, with a cast of non-professional actors. Tymek, a young pianist and student of the Warsaw University of Music, returns to his little town for a holiday break where he is awaited by his mother, younger brother and his homies. The main meeting point for the local youngsters is a newly-opened kebab place. Tymek witnesses the growing spiral of tension between the Arab employees of the bar and his friends. A spiral which will lead to tragic consequences.

 

By Miracle (AΠΟ ΘΑΥΜΑ)

Marinos Kartikkis 85' 2010 Cyprus

Thu 14.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

Aliki and Andreas, a couple in their thirties, try to have a baby a year after the death of their 4-year old daughter. Marios, a man in his late twenties living with his mother Demetra, tries to satisfy his sexual needs by having casual encounters with men in the park. Aliki develops an interest in miracles when she hears in the news about an icon of Virgin Mary who is believed to weep and perform miracles. Meanwhile Marios is getting interested in a young man he meets at the swimming pool while Demetra is constantly concerned about her son. One day, while visiting her husband’s grave Demetra sees Aliki in front of her daughter’s grave and is intrigued.

 

The Servant

Joseph Losey 116' 1963 UK

Fri 15.09 19:00 @ Shakespeare House

Posh Tony hires the seemingly proper and very attentive Barrett as his manservant. Soon Tony's lady friend, Susan disapproves of the ever-unflappable Barrett, which causes a strain in the couple's relationship. When Barrett's "sister" Vera arrives to stay, the situation descends into depravity, with the servant vying to become the new master of the house.

 

Passion

Maja Borg 92' 2021 Sweden Spain

Sat 16.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Theatro)

A film about longing, healing, and belonging. Adopting rituals and play from queer BDSM practice and their own Christian heritage, filmmaker Maja Borg seeks to reclaim intimacy and re-establish boundaries in the wake of a destructive relationship. Through stories of queer BDSM communities, Borg portrays the humanity at the heart of the practise, illuminating its similarities with Christianity.

 

Fierce: A Porn Revolution

Patrick Muroni 96' 2022 Switzerland

Sat 16.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Cloud)

In Lausanne, Switzerland, a group of young women in their twenties embark, camera in hand, on making pornographic films. Between their jobs for some and their studies for others, they make every effort to produce ethical and dissident films. Very quickly, the media of the country, then the public, are interested in them. In the eyes of all, here they are immersed in a fight for another vision of desire and sexuality.

 

100 Ways To Cross the Border

Amber Bemak 84' 2023 Mexico USA

Sun 17.09 19:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Cloud)

A daring, self-reflexive performative documentary on the extraordinary Mexican/Chicanx performance artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña's 40-year career of radical artistic practice alongside his international troupe La Pocha Nostra.

 

Close

Lukas Dhont 104' 2022 Belgium Netherlands France

Sun 17.09 21:00 @ Sessions x SPEL (Cloud)

The intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi's mother. "Close" is a film about friendship and responsibility.