Independent films at Firstsite

11th February 2020

Discover something new with independent film at Firstsite, spanning a diverse range of genres – from cult classics and revealing documentary, to offbeat comedy and emotional drama.

Don’t miss out on our celebration of acclaimed Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky, known for his signature avant-garde style that mixes religious and surrealist imagery. We’ll be screening his top cult films – fully restored in stunning 4K. Highlights include ‘The Holy Mountain’, a mystical and violent movie inspired by St. John of the Cross’ 16th-century writing. 

The Japanese Touring Film Programme returns to Firstsite with this year’s engaging theme: ‘Happiness is A State of Mind: Joy and Despair in Japanese Cinema.’ From drama and coming of age films such as Her Sketchbook, to romance and anime like Ride Your Wave; there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.

For eye opening documentaries we recommend ‘Midnight Traveller‘, in which filmmaker Hassan Fazili goes on the run with his family after being threatened by the Taliban. With only mobile phones to record their trauma, they are on a mission to find asylum. 

‘Talking About Trees‘ documents the efforts of the Sudanese Film Club to reopen an outdoor movie theatre. The film follows their discussions about the history of Sudanese cinema, including their experiences of persecution, and even torture, as oppositional artists – and their dreams of a Sudan in which art and intellectual thought can be free.

If you’re searching for powerful drama, be sure to see ‘Waves.’ Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, the film traces an epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family – led by a well-intentioned but domineering father -– as they navigate love, forgiveness, and loss. 

To see Firstsite’s full programme of upcoming films, visit our what’s on page. 

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