A los libros y a las mujeres canto
The civilising role of women and literature is at the forefront of this affectionate documentary about four women and their libraries.
72'
Spain
IFFR 2023
Roya flees an asylum seekers' centre to avoid being deported. She has the address of Nassim – another Iranian woman who helps refugees in her situation. But when she arrives at Nassim's apartment, only her brother is there. Since he won't let Roya in, she decides to wait for her in the hallway. Soon they start a conversation, thanks to which we'll come to know a great deal about the different perspectives of these two people: she has a youthful, idealistic and optimistic spirit; he is embittered and guarded, carrying a heavy burden.
Nafiss Nia turns the restriction of the film's premise into a source of poetry and inventiveness – making the most of the delicate cinematography, framing and editing. Die middag cleverly plays with two different regimes of vision central to the plot's development: through the security camera and peephole, Roya is always visible to the man inside the apartment; but we are the only witnesses of what he is doing indoors. Selected for Bright Future, this is a film about walls and boundaries (physical and emotional), culture and language, and the politics of intimacy and salvation.
– Cristina Álvarez López
The screening on 29 January will be preceded by a video essay by Joost Broeren, as part of the Critics' Choice programme.
IFFR 2023
Programme IFFR 2023
A selection of feature-length debuts, characterised by original subject matter and an individual style, representing the cutting edge of contemporary filmmaking.
Read more about this programmeThe civilising role of women and literature is at the forefront of this affectionate documentary about four women and their libraries.
72'
Spain
IFFR 2023
A witty, well-observed portrait of middle-class India’s aspirations and the attendant pressures on its children.
94'
India
IFFR 2023
A deadpan dramedy about four millennials in Istanbul beset by money and social troubles.
88'
Turkey
IFFR 2023