Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

236

The Bloodettes – A Stylish, Sexy, Futuristic, Vampire Film from Cameroon

The Bloodettes Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

Whilst the plot of The Bloodettes may be loose and confusing, it’s something new, sexy and stylish. Neon night club lighting, as well as masses of jump cuts, dissolve cuts, and slow motion shots (that would make John Woo proud), all backed by an energetic Tsotsi-esque soundtrack makes this one of the most original films I’ve seen from Africa. This is Cameroon in 2025.

From: Cameroon, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Kanopy
Next: The Killer, Tsotsi, Pumzi

237

Sweet Sixteen – One Teenager’s Quest to Find his Lost Childhood

Sweet Sixteen Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

What were you doing on your sixteenth birthday? Hopefully something better than Liam. Sweet Sixteen came out three years before MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen and shows a semi-orphaned teenager waiting for his mum to get released from prison. It’s another brilliantly bleak depiction of working class youth in the U.K. from Ken Loach and a perfect reality check to the super rich spoiled kids which took over MTV screens a few years later.

From: U.K., Europe
Watch: Trailer, Tubi, Amazon Prime
Next: Trainspotting, Girlhood, This is England

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238

Men in the Arena – The American Dream in Somalia

Men in the Arena Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

The American Dream doesn’t just exist in the United States. In Men in the Arena you’ll meet two footballers trying to follow their dreams in a country that has banned football. It’s a documentary full of hope and optimism for a better future for Somalia and the Somali football team.

From: Somalia, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Tubi, Kanopy, Amazon Prime, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Freedom Fields, Uncertain Future, The Eagle Huntress

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239

Araby – The Enchanting Story of an Everyday Life

Araby Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

The brilliance of Araby is hard to pinpoint. This analogy might not do it justice, but it’s a bit like going to a retirement home and meeting a fascinating storyteller who intimately reveals to you their life story in 90 minutes. There’s nothing particularly special about Cristiano’s life in Araby, but it’s told so intimately and warmly, that you just can’t help but watch and listen. The patient viewer will reap it’s rewards.

From: Brazil, South America
Watch: Trailer, Kanopy, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Tabu, Djon Africa, Extraordinary Stories

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240

Suleiman Mountain – Join a Bunch of Outcasts on the Road

Suleiman Mountain Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Ever wondered what life would be like growing up in the back of a converted East German truck with an alcoholic con man for a father, a practicing witch doctor for a mum, and your father’s second wife who’s probably young enough to be your sister. Well, here’s your chance to experience it. Join the crazy road trip in Suleiman Mountain.

From: Kyrgyzstan, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Amazon
Next: Shoplifters, Little Miss Sunshine, The Wounded Angel

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