“Here It Is, the Apple of My Eye”: Filmekimi 2024

All We Imagine as Light (France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy)

This captivating 2024 drama, written and directed by Payal Kapadia, has taken the film world by storm. Featuring standout performances by Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, “All We Imagine as Light” made history as the first Indian film since 1994 to compete in the main selection at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. Its triumph didn’t stop there—the film took home the Grand Prix, the festival’s highest honor, solidifying its place as a must-see.

Grand Tour (France)

Set against the backdrop of historical drama, Grand Tour is a visually stunning 2024 film co-written and directed by Miguel Gomes. Starring Gonçalo Waddington and Crista Alfaiate, it debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, competing for the coveted Palme d’Or. Miguel Gomes’ masterful direction earned him the “Best Director” award, and the film’s success continues to grow as it was selected to represent Portugal in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards.

The Substance (United Kingdom, France)

Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance is one of this year’s most intriguing films. The plot centers around an aging actress who, in order to meet the beauty standards of the industry, takes a miraculous drug that gives her the body of a woman in her 20s. The film delves into themes of identity, aging, and societal pressures. The Substance earned the “Best Screenplay” award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing Fargeat’s sharp writing. The cast, which also features Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Olivier Raynal, and Tiffany Hofstetter, brings this thought-provoking story to life. It’s a thrill to see Demi Moore return to the screen in what feels like a self-reflective role.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Iran, Germany, France)

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Les Graines du Figuier Sauvage), directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, is a gripping political drama set during a time of intensifying protests in Iran. The film follows a Tehran Revolutionary Court judge whose life spirals into paranoia when his gun goes missing. Blending real protest footage with fictional narrative, the film stars Soheila Golestani, Missagh Zareh, Mahsa Rostami, and Setareh Maleki, creating a powerful portrayal of fear and control. Winner of the “Special Jury Prize” at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Rasoulof’s latest work has gained further attention due to the director’s own experiences—imprisonment in Iran and escape to Germany. After winning acclaim with his 2020 Berlin Film Festival prize for There’s No Evil, Rasoulof is set to make waves again as The Seed of the Sacred Figrepresents Germany at the 97th Academy Awards.

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Armand (Norway)

A striking debut from Norwegian filmmaker Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, Armand is a 2024 thriller-drama that has already made waves on the festival circuit. Premiering in the “Un Certain Regard” section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the film earned the prestigious Caméra d’Or award for best first feature. Scheduled for its Norwegian release on September 27, 2024, Armand has also been selected to represent Norway in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 97th Academy Awards. The film’s intriguing premise follows two 6-year-old boys whose escalating conflict forms the heart of this intense, thought-provoking drama.

Joker: Folie à Deux (USA)

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his iconic role as the Joker, while Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn. A sequel to the 2019 Joker, the film debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it, much like its predecessor, sparked divided reactions. While the film was praised for its production design, costumes, and electrifying musical scenes, some critics took issue with its plot and themes. As a co-production of Warner Bros. and DC Studios, Joker: Folie à Deux is expected to draw massive crowds during Filmekimi, leaving fans eager to experience this unique take on the Joker’s world.

Dog on Trial (Switzerland, France)

Dog on Trial (Le Procès du chien) is a 2024 Swiss-French comedy that marks Laetitia Dosch’s directorial debut. In this quirky and thought-provoking film, Dosch also stars as Avril, an idealistic lawyer who takes on an unusual case—the defense of a dog named Cosmos, who’s been sentenced to euthanasia after biting three people. Inspired by a real event, the film offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of justice, as Avril fights to save Cosmos in what becomes the first dog trial since the Middle Ages. Premiering in the ‘Un Certain Regard‘ section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Dog on Trial charmed audiences and even snagged the Palm Dog Award, making it a standout at this year’s festival.

Bird (United Kingdom)

Academy Award-winning director Andrea Arnold returns with Bird, a poignant drama set to release on January 1, 2025. Starring Irish actor Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, and breakout star Nykiya Adams Bailey, the film tells the coming-of-age story of Bailey, a young girl living in a Kent slum with her father, Bug, who has raised her and her brother alone. As Bailey enters puberty, she begins seeking attention and excitement beyond her father’s reach, leading to a gripping exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery. Bird has already garnered attention, with screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and is poised to be one of Andrea Arnold’s most anticipated films.

The Apprentice (Canada, Denmark, Ireland, USA)

The Apprentice is a captivating 2024 biographical drama directed by Ali Abbasi, with a screenplay by Gabriel Sherman. Starring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, the film delves into the rise of the controversial real estate tycoon in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. The movie provides a glimpse into Trump’s early business ventures and his complex relationship with Roy Cohn, a powerful prosecutor notorious for his work alongside Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Second Red Scare. The strong ensemble cast includes Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, and Martin Donovan, with Strong delivering a standout performance following his success in Succession. Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, The Apprentice has generated significant buzz ahead of its October 11 U.S. release, promising a gripping portrayal of ambition, power, and the gritty underworld of New York real estate.

The Girl with The Needle (Denmark, Poland, Sweden)

Inspired by the chilling true story of Danish serial killer Dagmar Overbye, The Girl With The Needle (Pigen Med Nålen) is a gripping crime drama that is sure to leave audiences on edge. Set in early 20th century Denmark, the film follows Karoline, a young wet nurse who becomes involved with Dagmar, an elderly woman running a secret adoption agency. However, Karoline soon discovers that Dagmar is murdering the babies entrusted to her care instead of placing them in foster homes. Trapped in a horrific situation, Karoline must navigate her way out of this nightmare. With its dark historical roots—Overbye killed between 9 and 25 children, including one of her own, from 1913 to 1920—this unsettling film is one of the festival’s most intense offerings.

The Shrouds (France, Canada)

Directed by David Cronenberg, The Shrouds (Les Linceuls) is a 2024 sci-fi drama that promises a haunting exploration of grief and technology. Starring Diane Kruger, Vincent Cassel, Guy Pearce, and Sandrine Holt, the film centers on Karsh, a grieving businessman who creates a controversial technology called “GraveTech,” allowing people to view the bodies of their loved ones in their graves. The plot thickens when graves are mysteriously vandalized, including that of Karsh’s wife, leading him on a quest to uncover the culprits behind the attack. Originally conceived as a Netflix series, the film draws inspiration from Cronenberg’s personal grief following the death of his wife in 2017, infusing this eerie tale with raw emotional depth.

Oh, Canada (USA)

Paul Schrader, the screenwriter behind Taxi Driver, returns with Oh, Canada, a gripping new drama based on Russell Banks’ novel Foregone. Starring Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, and Jacob Elordi, the film is a major contender for the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The story follows Leonard Fife, a dying Canadian-American writer who fled to Canada to avoid military service during the Vietnam War. Tortured by his past, Fife, played by Gere in his later years and Elordi in flashbacks, agrees to share his life story with documentary filmmakers Malcolm and Diana. However, as Fife’s memory fades and his traumas resurface, the line between truth and fiction begins to blur, leading viewers through a complex narrative where fact becomes increasingly elusive.

More Must-See Films to Add to Watchlist:

Marcello Mio (France, Italy)

Written and directed by Christophe Honoré, Marcello Mio made its world premiere in the main competition section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Expect a heartfelt journey as Honoré explores the delicate intersections of love, memory, and nostalgia.

Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Trei Kilometri Până La Capătul Lumii, Romania)

Directed by Emanuel Pârvu, this powerful film was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or and took home the Queer Palm. The movie promises to be a moving and nuanced reflection on identity and belonging.

It’s Not Me (C’est pas moi, France)

Leos Carax’s autobiographical It’s Not Me offers a deeply personal, free-form retrospective of over 40 years of his groundbreaking cinema. Carax fans will not want to miss this unconventional journey through his career.

The Second Act (Le Deuxième Acte, France)

Quentin Dupieux, known for his quirky storytelling, presents The Second Act with a stellar cast including Léa Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Louis Garrel, and Raphaël Quenard. The film promises an eccentric narrative blending absurdity and dark humor.

Heretic (USA)

Co-written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic stars Hugh Grant and Chloe East. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this film is a suspense-filled drama that questions belief systems and power dynamics.

Saturday Night (USA)

Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night chronicles the iconic night in 1975 when Saturday Night Live first aired. An ode to comedy history, this film takes a nostalgic dive into the cultural impact of the groundbreaking show.

Memoir of a Snail (Australia)

This stop-motion animation, written and directed by Adam Elliot, features the voices of Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Eric Bana. Memoir of a Snail promises to be a heartwarming and visually striking journey through life’s small moments.