A Preview of the First Programme Selections
In the run-up to the 42nd edition of Generation, so far 16 feature-length films from a total of 17 production and co-production countries have been invited to screen in the section’s two competitions, Kplus and 14plus.
Consistent with past editions, the initial Generation selection reflects a great diversity of cinematic imagery and form. Young individuals can be witnessed searching for lives of meaning and self-determination while facing down uncertain future prospects in a world that often appears to have gone off the rails. Striking is the wide range of female perspectives on display - expressing solidarity with the less powerful, defiant, rebellious and hell-bent on their aims: At the heart of the selection are girls and young women fighting to gain control of their own destinies, against all odds and external opposition.
“These are brave films from courageous filmmakers, with their fingers on the pulse of the time and an acute feel for the social, cultural and political developments of our present moment. Both their female and their male protagonists challenge and are challenged by rigid traditional structures, thereby subverting classic, gender-specific expectations and communicating the urgent need for more contemporary role models, not only for a young audience,” comments section head Maryanne Redpath regarding the first round of invitations.
The full programme for Generation will be announced in mid-January.
Generation 14plus
Beol-sae (House of Hummingbird)
Republic of Korea
by Bo-ra Kim
European premiere – Debut film
She roams the neighbourhood with her best friend, attempts to fall in love, is sent to the hospital with an unclear diagnosis. Untethered from the wider world, 14-year-old Eunhee floats through Seoul. With its drifting images that never elicit boredom, director Bo-ra Kim’s feature film debut finds time and space for life’s big subjects, telling a story of the immediate twists and turns of a young existence with great intimacy and sensitivity.
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open
Canada / Norway
by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Kathleen Hepburn
World premiere
An intense encounter between two indigenous women on the streets of Vancouver plays out over the course of a single afternoon and accompanying evening. With great empathy for their protagonists, directors Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn develop a cinematic meditation on violence against women, racism and sisterhood, paced in real time.
Bulbul Can Sing
India
by Rima Das
European premiere
As in Village Rockstars (2017), Indian filmmaker Rima Das proceeds to her home region in northeastern India in her latest, independently produced work. The poetic snapshots of life out in the country and in the classroom collectively paint a portrait of a trio of friends: Bulbul, Bonny and Sumu. Threatened by the traditions of their patriarchal village community, their youthful light-heartedness is put to a hard test.
Goldie
USA
by Sam de Jong
World premiere
Goldie, played here by polarising US-American model and up-and-coming acting talent Slick Woods, is already a full-blown star in the eyes of her little sisters. Alas, when her mother is imprisoned, Goldie’s first priority for the time being becomes the fight to keep child welfare services from tearing her and her siblings apart from one another. With a list of co-producers that includes VICE, this film by Sam de Jong (Prins, 2015 opening film for Generation 14plus) relates a heartfelt tale of ambition and the unshakable nature of youthful faith in one’s ideals and ideas.