Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

266

Zerzura – A Psychedelic Journey into the Sahara

Zerzura Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you’re looking for a disorientating journey into the Sahara desert inspired by Touareg folk-tales, you’ve come to the right place. Zerzura looks and feels like a budget film, so don’t expect high production quality. However, you can expect a lot of magic, dreams, visions and djinn, as one nomad goes in search of his lost brother.

From: Niger, Africa
Watch: Trailer
Next: Sleepwalking Land, Under the Shadow, Enter the Void

267

The Scent of Green Papaya – Serenity in Saigon

The Scent of Green Papaya Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you want to see beauty in the little things in 1950’s Saigon, check out The Scent of Green Papaya. It follows a young maid who is hired to work for an upper class family. Their home and garden is a quiet sanctuary in the middle of a busy city, where her inquisitive nature finds beauty everywhere. It’s a delight for the senses.

From: Vietnam, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon, Watch on YouTube
Next: In the Mood for Love, Good Morning, Black Girl

268

Manila – Welcome to the Dark Side of the City

Manila Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

If you’re looking for a dark portrayal of life in Manila, you’ve come to the right place. In Manila there’s social problems, political corruption, and injustice hidden behind the tropes of the Hollywood noir genre. You’ll meet a few characters of the city, but the focus is always on the city of Manila and its sounds, sights, and life.

From: Philippines, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Prime, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: From What is Before, Miles Ahead, Manila by Night

269

Rams – Lock Horns with this Icelandic Sibling Rivalry

Rams Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Brothers. If you have one you’ll appreciate the sibling rivalry in this Icelandic farmer dry comedy film. Ram’s has got two that hate each other. It’s all because they are both trying to be the best at breeding rams in a very unpopulated valley. There’s only room for one of them. But when serpie (a livestock disease) threatens both their herds, can they come together to keep their heritage alive?

From: Iceland, Europe
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Toni Erdmann, The Square, The Orator

270

A Useful Life – A Uruguayan Ode to Cinema

A Useful life Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you love going to the cinema to watch films, find out how they are run by watching A Useful Life. This short film focuses on a struggling art house cinema in Uruguay. It’s an ode to cinema of the past and how it is being forced to adapt to a new digital world.

From: Uruguay, South America
Watch: Trailer, Buy on Amazon
Next: Cinema Paradiso, Hugo, Gloria