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Locarno Film Festival · 2021

Locarno Film Festival 2021

Open Doors Screenings

Programme

5 films · 3 reviews

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Aswang

Review preview for Aswang

Shot mainly at night, the darkness deepens the film's oppressive quality, while the constant presence of rubbish only adds to the sense of everyone sitting in a miasma of despair.

Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
Documentary tracking the human fallout of Rodrigo Duterte's policy of executing suspected drug dealers in the Philippines.

(Country: Philippines, France, Norway, Qatar, Germany; Year: 2019; Director: Alyx Ayn G Arumpac)

Full review

The Long Walk (Bor Mi Vanh Chark)

Upon witnessing a car accident that leaves a young woman dying in the woods near his rural home in Laos, a boy discovers that her spirit is destined to wander the road for eternity. Decades on, the boy remains haunted by past family traumas and seeks redemption with the aid of the spirit that he met all those years ago.

(Country: Laos; Year: 2019; Director: Mattie Do; Stars: Yannawoutthi Chanthalungsy, Vilouna Phetmany, Por Silatsa)

Manta Ray (Kraben Rahu)

Review preview for Manta Ray

The film remains mysterious without being confusing - you don't need to grasp every detail to understand its metaphors and message and its enigmatic aura invites repeat viewings.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
A fisherman finds an injured refugee and tries to help him.

(Country: Thailand, France, China; Year: 2018; Director: Phuttiphong Aroonpheng; Writer: Phuttiphong Aroonpheng; Stars: Aphisit Hama, Wanlop Rungkamjad, Rasmee Wayrana, Aphisit Hama, Wanlop Rungkamjad, Rasmee Wayrana)

Full review

The Seen And Unseen (Sekala Niskala)

A girl who is worried about her ailing brother uses her imagination to create a better world in which to play.

(Country: Indonesia, Netherlands, Australia; Year: 2017; Director: Kamila Andini; Stars: Ayu Laksmi, Gus Sena, Thaly Titi Kasih)

The Story Of Southern Islet

Review preview for The Story Of Southern Islet

Although The Story Of Southern Islet undoubtedly attracts with its remarkable aesthetics, especially beautiful slow shots, emphasising the magical, mysterious atmosphere, it is an hermetic film.

Mateusz Tarwacki · 3.5 out of 5
A woman who is travelling to see a shaman to seek help for her ailing husband endures strange encounters and unearthly experiences.

(Country: Malaysia; Year: 2020; Director: Chong Keat Aun; Writer: Chong Keat Aun; Stars: Jojo Goh, Season Chee, Hong Herr Wong, Wei Hern Teon, Ling Tang)

Full review