The Winners of Andaras 2022
A very delicate and intimate film, intense despite being so short. The different still frames convey the idea of the mental cage in which the grandfather is trapped, but at the same time evoke a reality with a movement of its own. Somehow, the film is flowing differently, just like the life of its protagonist, whose condition is captured so clearly with a few poetic brush strokes.
Thanks to the simplicity of the narrative and directing system, The Flying Donkey is able to successfully pursue its dissemination purposes.
The story of a man, a nation, a world, which, although far away, become a metaphor for the entire human condition; reminding us that the yearning for freedom is and always will be vital.
The delicacy of the story drags the viewer on a dreamlike journey, which makes them an apathetic witness to an event that is, at times, unsustainable due to its brutality. An aesthetic research based on discipline makes the frame and photography rich but never rhetorical, therefore capable of moving without narrating the emotions.
A hilarious journey into a dark and threatening nature to find the entity that will solve the protagonist's biggest problem. He is ready to do anything to get rid of an oppressing presence in his life.
But nothing is for free, and the price to pay is realizing that one can never escape their own demons.
The subject could have been approached with a lot of rhetoric, but the work should be rewarded for the way the protagonist is presented and for choosing a non-intrusive and delicate angle. These are the elements that give the film strength and dignity. Its aesthetic coincides with the dramaturgy, and it wisely sends a message to the world which must be supported and heard.
The breath-taking story of a man who, in order to be free to express himself, finds a way to take refuge in the most absurd and terrifying places. A film that makes you tremble and scream with joy. It is shot in such an extraordinary way that it leaves the viewer wondering: "How did they do it?". A truly unique short film.
It is a poetic, delicate and never rhetorical tale, which innocently looks at the succession of the seasons, both in nature and in life. Being simple, not simplistic, it's about home, food education and humanity. By adapting its clear expressive purpose to technicalities, and being deliberately domestic and shot by a smartphone, it appears as a family memory. However, it is impossible to forget, just like the scent of strawberries on summer tables.
With an infinite, swirling, imaginative phantasmagoria of forms and languages, it makes us reflect on our contemporaneity: fluid, inconsistent, permeable, which subordinates reality to the construction of one of the manypossible, ephemeral stories that describe it. With great narrative ability, technical expertise and formal effectiveness, he shows the glowing creative process that can influence perception and manipulate people's minds as they are reduced to customers: consumers of devalued food, which is nothing but a commodity.
For the clarity of the message, for the ability to compare distant yet increasingly similar realities which face drought and extreme weather phenomena, for the exposure of a climate change that puts even safe areas at risk.
For arousing emotions, empathy and awareness of the most disturbing global emergencies of the last decade - climate change and divisions - through the beauty of music and the magical wonder of animation.
Because it will be up to them, to today's young people, to save the world from the mistakes made by our grandparents and fathers; and because we can draw hope for the future from the contrast between the child's naive optimism and the old man's gloomy scepticism.
With a mesmerizing and intriguing series of shots, You Can’t Automate Me offers a curious insight into the unknown life of lashers. A parade of loosely-connected personal stories, bodies and stowaway animals give a human touch to the alienating work environment portrayed and fuse into a story that is innovative, creative and meditative at the same time.
An extremely motivating and moving documentary, with a very clear and powerful message. It is an amazing story of strong will, courage and passion told through tactful and very respectful eyes. The spontaneity of the protagonist adds to the intimate atmosphere created and his motto comes through even louder. It is not only a remarkable work, but also the exemplification of the inner meaning of travelling: pushing your limits always further to discover more about yourself, the world and inspire others.
For the ability to present a character in a way that stimulates empathy and solidarity, which will accompany the viewer during the unfolding of a derelict existence; and for knowing how to overturn the narrative showing an unexpected and dark side of that same character, transforming the film into a surprising revenge movie.
The fascinating story of a woman on the eve of her arranged marriage, told without any dialogue, through an authentic and moving narrative. It is precisely the total lack of dialogue that reinforces the central theme: the impossibility for women to have a voice and decide for their own future. It's a condition in which many women find themselves today.
A simple and linear narrative, despite the poetic urgency it wants to share. Education is important but it's essential that it makes you dream and elevate yourself in the best possible way. Moreover, it is a beautiful tribute to Abbas Kiarostami's poetics, not only as far as aesthetics is concerned, but also for the way the characters are outlined and the stories unfold.
It is a vivid account of some of the most intangible evils suffered by mankind in the era of digitalization: loneliness and bewilderment. Such themes are exposed by the subjects, shots and the excellent interpretation of the actors, who have well documented how food, in a society deprived of the sense of community, where relationships break apart and dissolve, no longer represents a profound connection between man and the earth, but rather a commodity to be exploited. The film's ending carries an extraordinary human and interior value, and the last meal embodies a hope of salvation for humankind.