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HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Red Africa Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Nov 1, 2023 Directed by: Alexander Markov Written by: Alexander Markov Starring: Alexander Markov Travel back to a truly jarring and bizarre period in history in Alexander Markov’s documentary Red Africa – a fascinating examination of post-colonial Africa and the burgeoning, uneasy and uneven relationships many newly-independent states struck up with the Soviet Union. Using a treasure-trove of incredible historic footage, this 60-minute documentary presents a look at 30 years between a series of newly independent African nations emerging in the 60s to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 90s, and the infringe of Soviet business and culture into Africa in the intervening time. Presented nakedly and without voiceover or contribution, the footage is allowed to speak for itself, as the Soviets work to burrow into the heart of Africa under the guise of friendship – but with sinister aims of resource extraction and reliance construction in order to expand the Soviet sphere of influence across the continent. With similarities to Adam Curtis’ masterful documentary series Traumazone (which interestingly also focused on the collapse of the Soviet Union), Red Africa is striking and outstanding because of its minimalist approach to documenting its subject. The editing of the eye-opening historical footage is where the film lives and dies, and Alexander Markov has a committed vision for the history he is bringing back to life. Constructing a cohesive narrative over a 30-year timespan and multiple nations is not easy, but audiences will come away from the film with an understanding and conception of the Soviet’s aims in Africa, the appeal for Africans of turning towards the iron curtain, and the inevitable betrayals that came with what was ultimately a politer form of colonialism. The footage is impressively presented in excellent quality, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the time period. The unbroken spell that comes as a result of the pure footage approach works wonderfully, as old colonial masters in immaculate British military regalia are humiliatingly ejected from a new Kenya in footage that doesn’t look out of place when brought to the screen using 2023 technology. An otherworldliness is present once African traditions are interpreted by Russian dancers in front of bemused leaders invited to Moscow. Crisp and vibrant imagery allows for full engagement with this truly odd time. The stylistic approach does limit the film. As with the aforementioned Traumazone, the events of the film fix in place its content and limit the level of analysis the film itself provides. Unlike Curtis’ series however, the film doesn’t quite leave with the same impact or connection to contemporary events. Traumazone concluded with the emergence of Putin from the rubble of the new Russia – a chilling and relevant finale for a series that was released following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Red Africa concludes with the USSR’s fall – a pivotal event of course – but fails to quite land the significance of this to either Africa or Russia today. Given that China are currently aggressively pursuing a similar strategy today with their ‘belt and road’ initiative, it feels like a missed opportunity to link the events of the film, as well as their causes and their consequences, to today. As a snapshot of a fascinating and unexplored time however, Red Africa is an immersive and engrossing hour that is filled with footage of the scarcely believable. A honed knowledge and passion for Cold War history is required to really appreciate the unconventional documentation, but for those looking for a new angle of the 20th century, it is a revelatory piece of filmmaking. Watch the official film trailer for Red Africa here . About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Documentary, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Moment of Truth Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Dec 27, 2021 Directed by: Lea Pfandler Written by: Pavel Shatu, Lea Pfandler Starring: Masha King, Pavel Shatu, John Fuentes A film noir crime film about a woman who is looking to get even with the people who murdered her sister. The plot centres around a young woman (King) who had a young sister whose husband (Fuentes) got involved with a dangerous cult that ended up having her sister killed. Seeking justice for her loss and knowing that she herself is in danger, she goes to a private detective (Shatu) for help and comes up with a very risky plan that will involve putting her life on the line in order to catch the villains. This is a dark murder-revenge story that pays homage to the film noir genre. With terrific cinematography by Kevin Barber, the majority of the viewing takes place in black-and-white and has scenes that are in colour. The film begins in black-and-white and while this lasts, the atmosphere feels dark and menacing and the use of colour takes place after a crucial plot point happens, therefore the arrival of colour could mean that things are going to be better from now on. There a numerous elements here that belong to the film noir. A protagonist whose life is in danger, murderous individuals, murder, revenge, treachery. There is drama, grief, the constant threat of death and the longing for justice. The mise-en-scene includes locations with limited lighting, a cemetery and interesting clothing. The main topic is one vulnerable person going up against people who could destroy her at any time and there is a message that suggests that it is the smartest one who wins. The story is told through the heroine's pespective and there are no spoken words, apart from King's voice-over that is heard throughout and effectively describes the events in the narrative, her situation and feelings and helps the audience understand how much she is suffering from the loss of her sister, how frightened she is and how much she wants justice and safety. Since none of the characters actually speak, the protagonists rely on their facial expressions and body language in order to communicate their emotions and they do so very well. King in particular is quite emotional as a woman who has found herself in a life-threatening situation. The score is a very strong quality and it includes Jazz music that significantly sets the mood and provides a film noir feeling. The editing is creative and includes match cut and dissolve techniques. Credit also goes to the stylized letters during the opening and closing credits. This short will almost certainly appeal to fans of film noir. With strong acting, an intriguing plot, wonderful score and splendid cinematography, it takes the audience on quite a journey. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Clarum Somnium Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Feb 13, 2024 Directed by: Alexandre David Lejuez Written by: Alexandre David Lejuez Starring: Eva Langlet Alluring yet challenging, Clarum Somnium (2023) is an experimental short. Described, by the filmmakers, as “The purification of a mysterious girl, between dream and reality”, the piece will not be for everybody (what is?), but this cerebral experience holds plenty of original visual and auditory ideas to admire. Over the course of ten minutes, we’re shown a woman in a shower, city structures, and finally the natural world. Having these elements complement each other in unusual ways is artistically ambitious and certainly worth analysing; unfortunately, the film can risk feeling static or repetitive... but then again, it must not be viewed through linear story conventions as the filmmaker has chosen to disregard narrative. So, we must instead consider the concepts at play. Thematically, we’re working in vague but interesting territory. One hypothesises that the film’s juxtaposition of images – between the dreamlike fluidity of the streetlamps / buildings and the more strange, visceral nature of the woman washing her hair – is there to perhaps encourage the viewer to either consider any similarities, or, on the other hand, its extreme differences. The frequent use of dissolve transitions suggests that there might be a flowing, universal connection; however, it may be more stimulating to engage with the images’ contrast... for instance, what clashing textures can be identified? - from interior to exterior, should we feel the warm and cold; wet and dry? Then again, should a contrast be found between any emotions present? The singular character in the film does not appear to be in a state of ease -- more a kind of numbness has taken hold of her, appearing dazed; this is an intense, potent state of being, and there’s a vulnerability to the situation she’s in. The opposite then can be found in the other images: without any character, focus, or emotional messaging, you’re urged to allow the shapeless, indistinct beams of light to flow past you, for the spectator is placed in a vehicle – a liminal space. Interestingly, the final images are not of a person, or of the urban environment previously displayed... trees and nature are what the filmmaker chooses to conclude with. An audience may see this as symbolising hope or being indicative of a release from some form of darkness. To be candid, it’s incredibly challenging to write concisely regarding what a film like Clarum Somnium is ‘about’, but what does help any viewer along the way is the music included: it’s a great way to gage the mood of a surrealist piece if all else fails, and thankfully this film provides a pleasantly mystical ambiance to what we’re seeing. The instrumental soundscape is incredibly immersive and is of a high professional quality, allowing the spectator to merge what they’re seeing with what they’re hearing to form something ever more abstract. One could argue that this works particularly well when the shots are at their most unusual – images depicting the streets upside down, throwing the world of the short into chaos, forcing us to simply admire the shapes and respond to the meditative score. Director Alexandre David Lejuez is using film as a canvas on which to experiment and express that which is impossible to capture through linear storytelling. For an audience, it’s a puzzle they’ve been given: one can attempt to solve the enigma or, alternatively, engage with the piece via a purely subconscious plane of thought... but some may not wish to do either. The short is inventive and thoughtful, but ideally should pack a bigger punch, daring to be more provocative and less repetitive. But overall, Clarum Somnium displays enough originality and artistry to leave you wondering what else the filmmaker has up their sleeve. About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

★★★★ Directed by: #ChristopherDeakin Starring: #GemmaWhiteley, #AdamMercuryBrown, #JoyceBranagh, #AshleyGregory, #EleanorJessicaRoberts Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A Happy Ending is a spoof reality television show that pokes fun at some of the court room dramas we see today. The show focuses on a young married couple and displays their inner conflicts with one another. For wife Lizzie, she is prepared to divorce her husband for not ever being able to satisfy her in all areas…but specifically in the bedroom! This dark comedy is a combination of Judge Judy, Love Island dramas and absurdity all wrapped up in a show called ‘Out of Order.’  For main character Lizzie, regrettably, this was unforgiveable, and she was ready to take her life into her own hands, her husband’s money and then leave him! However, as the drama progresses, certain secrets come to light and the audience discover that Lizzie is not as squeaky clean as she presents herself to be. As like many of these shows, the audience feed off this scandal and the juicier the scandals become, the better! The short film begins in a court room, its all lights, camera action as the jury take their seats and listen to Ms Who’s tales of woes and the lack of satisfaction she has had to endure for a good few years. Their marriage is in turmoil and there’s no coming back from this, especially when we find out husband David Ducksoup has been going to certain places alone to get his kicks elsewhere…For our Judge this appeared to be a clear-cut case, however, certain witnesses began to shed light on the couple’s marriage which left the judge having to make some tough decisions. A Happy Ending is a witty and outrageous film that keeps you hooked until the very end. It was great to see some of those ‘behind the scenes’ moments where the director instructs some of the reality stars to add more tears at this point or show your angry side when you say this line. Many people believe each scene is authentic and completely unfabricated. However, nothing we see on TV is ever how it truly is, which made for a hilarious premise and managed to break down that wall between fact and fiction and showed us exactly what was behind the curtain. The characters themselves were very funny and combined with the comical storyline and dialogue, it makes for an entertaining show that I would certainly be investing in if it came into fruition!

★★★ Starring: #DevonGrevious, #NateReynolds, #TylerMcCray Directed by: #NateReynolds Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Shear Disturbance focuses on the theme of anxiety and how much it can affect day to day activities such as the simple act of getting a haircut. For protagonist Tyronne, this typical action becomes far more than that and is such a trigger that he becomes completely consumed by even the thought of it. This can be a very real experience for many people that suffer with anxiety, it can become debilitating and stop you from going about your daily life. Director Nate Reynolds portrays these struggles and highlights the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with a person struggling to keep their anxiety under control. The narrative itself is very simple and I think although this is a short film, it would have been great to truly expose the pain within the anxiety. It would have helped the storyline further to pull back the covers of Tyronne’s mind and provide the audience a sense of what it feels like to have this fear. The physical signs were apparent with the trembling and shyness when speaking to the barbers. However, a cutaway of Tyronne’s mental state would convey the severity and seriousness of his condition. It was interesting to see the negativity towards Tyronne as well, the barber seemed to have little to no patience and believed that Tyronne was wasting his time and essentially fooling around. Nate was able to suggest that we need to be more perceptive and recognise the signs of anxiety to help that person and bring them into a calmer and more relaxed environment to support and keep their anxiety under control. Unfortunately, for Tyronne, the experience became all too much, and he was unable to control his emotions and left the shop disappointed in himself. However, another barber came out after him and reassures him that he is not alone. In fact, he has also experienced these feelings and encourages Tyronne to speak with someone to overcome his struggles. Shear Disturbance has a message within, and director Nate Reynolds uses this short film to tear down the stigma and shame of living with anxiety and instead, Reynolds concentrates on the importance of speaking about this subject and sharing these struggles as this will ultimately educate others to understand more about the experience as well as learn how to help and manage them.

★★★★★ Starring: #IsidoraFairhurst, #MiaMckennaBruge, #RitaBernardShaw, #DaniDyer, #MalachiPullarLatchman Directed by: #TeddyNygh Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Watch What I Do is an all-female cast and short drama. It focuses on 3 teenage girls in secondary school attempting to navigate their way through friendship, social status, and their love for basketball. Being a teenager today can be a difficult transition, emotions and arguments become heightened and at this point in life. Conflicts at this age are all consuming and it becomes difficult to break away and see the light, as well as ignore the negativity. This becomes the case for protagonist Layla, as she struggles to become friends with the new girl joining the group. Layla often feels excluded and is unable to connect with Nikki, who chooses to disregard or shame Layla as a form of one-upmanship making her appear to be the ‘popular’ friend out of the group. Layla must find a way to channel her anger and focus on what is most important to her, true friendship, and her passion for sport. Layla’s skills in basketball become clear when she walks past a court and jumps at the chance to make a shot, she is encouraged by the other players to join and be a part of the team. However, through fear of ridicule she shy’s away from this opportunity and ignores their praise. Instead, she is left feeling embarrassed and even more of an outcast by showing an interest in the sport. It became evident that Layla has some form of anger issues which she needs to work on. Layla often represses these thoughts of violence and aggression; the viewer is given snippets of Layla’s frustrated mind with use of cutaway shots. Her anger becomes fuelled when faced with conflict, and unfortunately for Layla she becomes tested to her limit as Nikki starts to put a wedge between her and her friendship with Kezia. Layla has managed to control this anger for a long period of time, however, like a bubbling pot, it does not take long for this anger to spill. The characters are extremely relatable, especially to teenagers growing up and learning to adapt and change throughout their school years and rise above the hate. Director Teddy Nygh breaks down some of the barriers that stop kids from being their true selves. Nygh highlights that for Layla, basketball gives her the chance to channel her energy, focus and discover some new friends who follow a similar passion. This was a great story, and the characters were able to really convey that emotion of betrayal, fear, hurt but also happiness and the importance of friendship. It was an enjoyable watch and the interactions between each character were engaging throughout, you really feel for Layla’s character and want her to overcome her fears and see the true bond between her and Kezia.