By Roger Costa
SEA SPARKLE
In order to escape the reality of losing her fisherman father to the mysteries of the ocean, an adventurous girl tries to prove the accident differently. She believes a gigantic sea creature is responsible for the accident that took her dad’s life as well as others. Her ideas will have a direct impact over her behavior and those experiencing the same process of loss. Directed by Domien Huyghe this beautifully observed, mystical and suspenseful drama is a unique coming of age story seen through the effects of grieving and confusion, but also of determination and family virtue.
MUTT
A melancholic, moody, straight-forward trans romance set in the course of a day, Vuk Lungulov-Klotz’s Sundance Award-winning indie follows the turmoil experienced by a trans man dealing with how people react to his physical transformation, as well as stumbling into undesired, unexpected meetings. His ex-boyfriend, a troubled half sister, and an anxious father arriving from oversea will have his day filled with challenges and memories that might affect his new reality. Fast-paced, easily relatable, convincingly performed and infused with an adrenaline only seen in New York City’s urban scenario, it is a fresh take on the queer romantic genre.
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE
A stirring moral tale with unexpected twists, Ilker Catak’s efficient, propulsive and nail-biting school-set whodunit drama brings a top notch performance by German star Leonie Benesch. Investigating a theft inside her classroom, a teacher becomes dangerously involved in a scandal of ethics, morals and social clashes. Timely and provocative, it will cause discussions about the rules of school’s system and how far can teachers go to protect and defend their students.
SILVER HAZE
Director Sacha Polak’s second collaboration with actress Vicky Knight demonstrates both artists commitment to the art, as they create an accurate, highly emotional story about gender identity, acceptance and resilience, using their improvisational skills. When a nurse becomes romantically involved with a suicidal patient they form a special, strong bond that will defy standards and principles. Gorgeously shot, sensitive and original, it is a brilliant take on the complexities of the female universe.
(The 73rd Berlinale runs February 16-26 with International Premieres, World Premieres and special events. Go to https://www.berlinale.de/en/home.html for details.)
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