By 
By Roger Costa
MADEMOISELLE PARADIS
As she’s regaining her ability to see, a prodigy pianist cannot contain her disappointment falling into tears and desperation when she notices the cruel hypocrisy around her. Inspired by the extraordinary true story of the 18th-century Austrian woman for whom Mozart had written his Piano Concerto No. 18, accomplished director Barbara Albert composes an elegant and unique Gothic-style period piece reflecting on society’s prejudice and greed, and subtly commenting on how blindfold and masks are used to escape reality. Seen through the fascinating relationship between the pianist and her physician, as well as the barriers found among everyone who wouldn’t credit her ability, actress Maria Dragus (who played the daughter in Romania’s indie hit “The Graduation”) gives a star-making performance with complete control of the emotional and physical challenges of her heroine. Bravo! (Screens 5/3, 6.)
LIMESTONE COWBOY
An irreverent satire on politics and modern capitalism, as well as an insightful look at family values and community bond, Abigail Mallia’s feature debut brings one of the funniest cowboys ever screened. Actor Paul Portelli (who was seen on the TV sensation Game of Thrones) embodies a crazily lovable, ridiculously ignorant and caring urban cowboy who is running for the Prime Ministry chair in Malta. Along with a group of lunatics, he sets off a hilarious campaign, defying his adversaries with his powerful weapon: his truthful, exposed perspectives. The director follows the cowboy as a conductor, but also investigates other issues, such as abuse and violence against children, and how society is easily manipulated by the latest trends. A funny wild ride. (Screens 5/5, 7.)
PITY
Exquisitely shot with breathtaking angles on the Greek seaside and intriguingly open, yet claustrophobic spaces, Babis Makridis’s sophomore feature is a stylish, melancholic and morbid tragic dark comedy. It follows a decent lawyer as he delves into sadness while his wife rests in a coma. Along with his son, he is consoled by neighbors, colleagues and locals alike, but his sorrow is gradually manipulating his behavior. As he’s hired to defend a widow in a murder case, his personal dilemma gets mixed up in the investigation, with unexpectedly bizarre twists. An acclaimed selection at Sundance, and awarded at both Torino and Luxembourg Film Festivals, it’s an eccentric and observational take on the human condition and its loss of control. (Screens 5/19.)
OUR STRUGGLES
Reinventing the art of Neo-realism, Belgian filmmaker Guillaume Senez’s sophomore project revolves around a workaholic father who is facing harsh times, both at the company and at home; Caught up by the unexpected changes, cuts and injustices affecting his co-workers, he is also dealing with a personal crisis, as his wife had just abandoned the family, leaving the two children under his supervision. As he desperately looks for answers and clues on her whereabouts, he struggles to maintain sanity and responsibility, while trying to practice justice and coherence. Internationally known actor Romain Duris delivers a highly emotional and convincing portrait of an unease father trying to survive at all costs. A multiple winner at Torino Film Festival, and ruled Best Film at Belgium’s Magritte Awards, Senez crafts an inclusive and mesmerizing family drama, proving he’s definitely one to watch. (Screens 5/4.)
JAN PALACH
Director Robert Sedláček’s re-telling of a tragically courageous political protest, investigates the eagerness of a group of young students seeking to defend their nation. The film narrates the final years of its protagonist, a determined activist who fatally set himself on fire to claim justice against Russia’s invasion to the Prague Spring in the late 60’s, focusing on his evolution and interaction with other revolutionary enthusiasts. Winner of the Audience Award at Phoenix Film Festival, and named Best Film by the Czech Film Critics’ Awards, it’s an intense and exhilarating political thriller. (Screens 5/12.)
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