SLAVE
Other movies
EARLY DAYS
Director: Priyankar Patra
Filmmaker Priyankar Patra captures the zeitgeist of young love in this fresh-feeling romantic drama. The film follows the beginnings of a relationship between Preeti and Samrat, an aspirational couple in their mid-twenties who have just moved to the megalopolis of Mumbai. As they share their love story via reels on social media, where the immediate validation and promises of quick money initially seduces, and then propels them into the world of influencers. The film explores the impact of social media on contemporary relationships, while its cinematography creates an intimate and voyeuristic viewing experience, similar to that that of social media voyeurism. With its topical subject and natural performances, Early Days is a relatable watch.
LATE SHIFT
Director: Petra Volpe
Petra Volpe’s salute to caregivers is executed with strength and admiration. Led by a nuanced and meticulous performance from Leonie Benesch, Late Shift is an eloquent plea for compassion, as well as being a gripping story about a day in the life of a hospital worker. Floria (Benesch) is a nurse on an understaffed surgical ward, where she balances the constant demands of her patients — medical and emotional — knowing that every decision she makes (or neglects) could have fatal consequences. Floria, and Volpe’s camera, are constantly on the move to beeping monitors and crash carts in the ward’s confined quarters. As Switzerland’s Oscar submission, Late Shift delivers high drama and a sharp question: who will care for the carers?
HIJRA
Director: Shahad Ameen
A grandmother and her two granddaughters journey from Taif to Mecca. When the eldest granddaughter vanishes, the two remaining women travel north to find her, with their search highlighting the deep cultural and generational bonds between Saudi women. Set against the backdrop of the Hajj pilgrimage, Hijra portrays the intimate and emotional odyssey of these women, which evolves into a spiritual quest. Their journey carries the weight of an entire heritage and offers an emotional, powerful and insightful look at identity. Shot across eight Saudi cities, the film provides a deep dive into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Actress Khairia Nazmi infuses the story with profound emotion due to her strength and energy.
EL'SARDINES
Director: Zoulikha Tahar
Zouzou, a 30-year-old bio-maritime engineer, single and living with her parents, cannot bring herself to tell her family that she’s leaving the day after her sister’s wedding. Despite securing a visa (unlike her best friend Warda) she struggles to decide whether to leave alone and join a scientific expedition, tracking sardines that have deserted Algerian waters. Torn between family duties and local gossip, Zouzou is on the verge of falling apart.