Q
An intimate and haunting portrayal of a quest for love and acceptance at any cost, Q depicts the insidious influence of a secretive matriarchal religious order in Lebanon on three generations of women in the Chehab family. Filmmaker Jude Chehab potently documents the unspoken ties and consequences of loyalty that have bonded her mother, grandmother, and herself to the mysterious organization. A masterful portrait of the toll that decades of unrequited love, lost hope, abuse, and despair takes on a person, Q is a multigenerational tale of the eternal search for meaning. A love story of a different kind, this documentary delicately portrays the complexities of the unseen power that intermesh the lives of those who love a woman whose heart is in the hands of someone else.
"a visually-stunning cinematic approach. With Q, Chehab presents a respectful but altogether haunting exploration of faith, belief, and the ramifications of allegiance to a cause" - Tribeca Film Fest, Winner, Albert Maysles Award for Best New Documentary Director
Photophobia
On a cold February morning, 12-year-old Niki and his family arrive at the Kharkiv metro station to take shelter from the terrifying war raging outside. For Niki's family, daylight is synonymous with mortal danger, and the boy is not allowed to leave the station premises, living under the constant glow of their neon lights. While aimlessly wandering around the abandoned cars and full platforms, Niki meets Vika (11), and a new world opens up to him. As their bond strengthens, the children find the courage once again to feel the sun on their faces.
"a very original and beautifully observed film...There is hope here, and joy in the small things like the occasional luxury of feeling the sun on their faces for example. The film is exceptionally well made, with the cinematography a standout” - Europa Cinemas Award, Venice
Terraforma
TerraForma is the story of the remote desert island of Ascension: for a million years entirely devoid of life, but which was engineered by process of terraforming' into a tropical paradise. It is also the story of what that transformation may mean for the fate of our planet, in a future when terraformed landscapes and human-engineered environments may come to warp our understanding of nature itself.
"The images are poetic, showcasing a stunning variety of flora and fauna; people are rarely seen on screen, their absence adding a touch of eeriness to the atmosphere" - Guardian
Naima
Naima, a 46-year-old Venezuelan, lives in precarious conditions in Basel and, after many years in the low-wage sector, she secures a traineeship in nursing. However, her happi- ness collides with a harsh reality: patients love her compassionate humour, but her col- leagues perceive her as lacking professional distance. When she fails her internship, her world falls apart. Yet, Naima rises to fight her toughest battle: standing up for herself.
"a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and even overcome conflagration. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking an inspiring and emotionally touching documentary." - DOK Leipzig
Breaking the Cycle
Breaking The Cycle captures the political awakening among Thais after the rise and fall of Thanathorn, a young politician who calls to end the cycle of coups d’etat. The film explores the 2019 election in Thailand, which marked the end of five years of full military rule and a new group of young politicians who campaign against an authoritarian constitution, sparking hope and a once-in-a- generation youth movement.
"a bold and uncompromising account of a troubled political landscape and a thrilling portrait of an individual who challenged it" - Sheffield Doc Fest