The entire programme for Espoo Ciné will be released on Thursday, 1 August, with show-specific tickets going on sale on Tuesday, 6 August. However, program reveals will be made throughout the summer – including in this article.
Although we still have to wait nearly a month for the full programme release, films that will be shown are gradually being revealed throughout the summer. This week's programme reveals include exploring emotions in the social media world, searching for a brother lost on a space trip, transitioning from a programmer to a taxi driver, and traveling to the 20th century, Rome, and the island of Corsica.
Oddities of the Social Media World and Sci-Fi
What does the constant flood of material on the internet do to us? The emotions stirred and created by the virtual world – or the lack thereof – are examined in David Borenstein's documentary Can’t Feel Nothing. Through real-world examples, the film systematically goes through various emotions from sadness to anger, introducing a North American troll factory worker, a burnt-out Asian influencer, and an entrepreneur who rents dogs for social media posts.
However, in Jérémy Clapin's sci-fi film Meanwhile on Earth, we switch from virtual space to the actual space. The main character, Elsa, is a 23-year-old whose brother disappeared three years ago on a space mission. The disappearance of this beloved young man has left a mark on both the community and Elsa, whose life has been stagnant since her brother's disappearance. Unexpectedly, a representative of an unknown life form contacts Elsa, claiming to be able to bring her brother back to Earth. Combining video footage and animation, this visually charming film fundamentally deals with grief and longing: the people we love live on in us, even if they are physically gone.
A Playwright’s Life and a Honeymoon in Rome
Second World War resistance fighter, unfaithful husband, Nobel winner, recluse... Dance First, directed by Oscar-winning James Marsh, explores the many faces of playwright Samuel Beckett, who influenced Western literature and culture in the 20th century. Besides Beckett's relationships with women, the film also delves into his peculiar relationship with his Irish compatriot James Joyce.
Relationships and lived lives are also explored in Niclas Bendixen's film When in Rome. In this light-hearted drama, Gerda and Kristoffer, celebrating a lifetime of marriage, travel to Rome, the city where Gerda once lived as a young and vibrant art student. However, amidst the cobblestones and restaurants of Rome, Gerda also encounters her former teacher and lover, Johannes.
Life Changes
Life changes occur both in Antonio Méndez Esparza's film Something Is About to Happen and Stéphanie Demoustier's Borgo.
In Something Is About to Happen, the main character Lucia leads a mundane life as a computer programmer in Madrid until the company's bankruptcy offers her a chance to reorganize her life. Lucia decides to abandon her former job and becomes a taxi driver instead. Malena Alterio, who plays the lead female role, received the Best Actress Goya Award for her performance.
Borgo, on the other hand, tells the story of Melissa, a 32-year-old prison guard who moves to Corsica with her partner and two children. The lead role in this French crime drama is played by rising star Hafsia Herzi.
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The Espoo Ciné Film Festival 2024 begins on Friday, 23 August, and ends on Sunday, 1 September. The entire programme will be released on Thursday, 1 August, and show-specific tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, 6 August. Ticket bundles which offer a more affordable movie experience are already on sale on our website!
