Today, the cinema will hear the Argentines’ song of praise to Messi and the spirit of resistance during Latvian National Awakening that was inspired by Estonians.
Tuesday sparkles with satire! “The Weeping Walk” tells the story of a funeral, where the humour is the darkest and doesn’t allow to remain serious in a situational comedy. On the other hand, the absurdly genuine “Holy Electricity” develops an original business idea to start selling neon crucifixes door to door in Georgia.
The most powerful stories in today’s programme are inevitably darker in tone, but all the more profound. Based on a book by the mother of a boy who committed suicide because of bullying, “The Boy with Pink Pants” is an very poignant portrait of a society where evil seeps into a seemingly safe and nurturing environment.
Palestinian director Scandar Copti, however, explores through four Arab family members a society where you have to navigate through social pressures, deep-rooted prejudices and a culture of stigma. “Happy Holidays” won the Best Screenplay award in the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival.
See the full Tuesday PÖFF programme here!
Director: M. Ferri; country: Italy
Tuesday, November 19 at 21.00 at Coca-Cola Plaza
Margherita Ferri’s latest film tells a true tragic story of 15-year-old Andrea Spezzacatene. The boy took his own life in 2022 after a long period of bullying and cyber-bullying for his alleged homosexuality. The film, based on a book by Andrea’s mother, tells the heartbreaking story of the psychological violence inflicted on him.
Director: D. Verhulst; country: Belgia
Tuesday, November 19 at 18.30 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
Do you remember the last time you had fun at a funeral? At Christine’s funeral, her husband Bass and their family are stunned when it turns out that the woman’s last wish was to be buried in a remote and unfamiliar place called Wettelen. A bizarre pilgrimage turns into a comic insight into family dynamics, friendships and old grudges.
Director: M. Martinsons; country: Latvia
Tuesday, November 19 at 20.30 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
A stunning musical epic brings to the screen the spirit of resistance during Latvian National Awakening. In 1873, just four years after the first Estonian Song Festival and inspired by its success, Latvian brave men organised the first Latvian Song Festival under the watchful eye of oppressive censors. The magnificent soundtrack features many of the world’s best symphony orchestras and choirs.
People’s Cup: A Street Symphony
Director: J. Braceras; country: Argentina
Tuesday, November 19 at 21.00 at Solaris
Messi and Argentina: when football becomes more than just a game. The documentary takes us back to the success story of Messi and the Argentine football team, showing how important football is for the great players and for Argentina as a whole. This emotional film takes the viewer into a real football mecca with powerful frames!
Director: Tato Kotetishvili; countries: Gruusia, Holland
Tuesday, November 19 at 21.15 at Kino Artis
On the bustling streets of Tbilisi, in a scrapyard Gonga and Bart find a suitcase full of rusting crosses. Inspired by the find, they come up with a strange plan to turn the crosses into neon crucifixes and start selling them door-to-door. “Holy Electricity” captures the charm of everyday life and mixes heartfelt friendship, love and the absurd thrill of spontaneity with a delightful sense of humour.
Director: S. Copti; countries: Palestiina, Saksamaa, Prantsusmaa, Itaalia, Katar
Tuesday, November 19 at 21.30 at Kino Artis
Winner of the Best Screenplay award in the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival, the film reveals the deep cultural and political dimensions that affect community members’ perceptions of gender and ethnicity. Palestinian director Scandar Copti, who is also the film’s screenwriter, has previously been nominated for an Oscar for Best International Feature Film for his film “Ajami”.