Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

291

Dawn – A Modern Soviet Epic from Latvia

Dawn Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

Dawn is timeless. What it lacks in depth and clarity it makes up for in style. You’ll probably lose track of what’s happening more than once because of the snappy cuts and quick camera movements. However, you won’t care because it’s mesmerising. The beautiful black and white cinematography and the epic myth of Pavlik Morozov will immerse you in the chaos of Soviet Latvia.

From: Latvia, Europe
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Prime, Amazon Rent
Next: Battleship Potemkin, The Exterminating Angel, Soy Cuba

292

Akasha – Afro-Bubblegum in the Sudanese Civil War

Akasha Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you’re looking for an African film which avoids the stereotypes of focusing on war, poverty, or aids, this film is for you. Akasha is one of the fresh new African films leading the Afro-Bubblegum style; films which portray a fun, frivolous, and fierce Africa. It’s not the Africa portrayed in the media.

From: Sudan, Africa
Watch: Trailer - release date TBC
Next: Wallay, Abouna, Rafiki

293

Uncertain Future – Political Unrest in Burundi

Image result for uncertain future munyaneza

Uncertain Future Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Uncertain Future gives you a rare look into the small country at the heart of Africa: Burundi. It takes place in 2015 when President Nkurunziza seeks to rule for a third term against the wishes of a lot of the citizens of Bujumbura (the capital). Get a first hand look at the protests and violence in Eddy Munyaneza’s brave documentary.

From: Burundi, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Amazon (Rent), Vimeo (Rent)
Next: Winter on Fire, The Square, Rosewater

294

Boxing Libreville – Boxing for Freedom in Gabon

Boxing Libreville Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you’re a boxing fan or simply a regular gym rat, you’ll be able to sympathise with Christ in Boxing Libreville. He’s a boxer who trains all day and works all night to try to become the best boxer in Gabon as the hope of a new political future builds in the background.

From:  Gabon, Africa
Watch: Trailer
Next: Makala, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki, Fruitvale Station

295

Crystal Swan – The American Dream in Belarus

Crystal Swan Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

In Crystal Swan you’ll meet Velya, an aspiring club DJ living in Minsk who doesn’t fit in Belarus. So she tries to get a U.S. visa to go live a better life abroad. The only problem is that she doesn’t have a respectable job to put on her visa application. So she puts down a fake job and adds a fake telephone number. However, when the visa officials say they will call her to confirm her application, she goes on a journey to rural Belarus to track down the number and try and make her American dream come true.

From: Belarus, Europe
Watch: Trailer
Next: Ladybird, Volver, Run Lola Run