The New Zealand International Film Festival opens this Thursday, July 28, and is packed to the brim with exciting films from a range of genres. Critic was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at some of the films.
Dir: Joshua Marston
Set in a small rural town in Albania, this film presents the conflict between tradition and modernization as it affects two families. We follow a family’s deterioration when the father and uncle murder their neighbour over a land feud. Teligious and traditional etiquette means the family must isolate themselves until they are forgiven.
Through aesthetically wonderful and often very still, drawn out shots, we watch the oldest son and daughter, Nik and Rudina, react to this lifestyle. Although the film’s focus remains on the central family, the themes of conflict are universal. This international family drama not only presents a glimpse into the widely unknown complexities of Albanian traditions, but also showcases a director who understands how to enhance the visual image and beautify the family’s isolation and conflict.
The Forgiveness of Blood
