The much-anticipated 20th edition of the Biografilm Festival (7 – 17 June) and was officially unveiled today in the historic Sala Tassinari of the Bologna Municipality. The program for this milestone edition reflects the festival’s continued dedication to exploring contemporary documentary cinema.
This year’s program promises films that navigate the varied landscape of real-life storytelling. The festival’s tagline, «Venti di vita: vent’anni di storie di vita» (“Winds of life: twenty years of life stories”), encapsulates the essence of Biografilm’s mission. The event will feature documentaries, biographical films, and hybrid genres that push the boundaries of non-fiction cinema.
Over the past two decades, Biografilm has evolved from a modest beginning in 2005 into a significant platform for documentary cinema. This year, it continue to seek out hidden stories and amplify diverse voices, providing a space for dialogue and reflection, they stated.
The festival will kick off with the Italian premiere of Hors du temps by Olivier Assayas, who will be honored with the Celebration of Lives Award 2024. This award celebrates storytellers whose work has left a lasting impact on contemporary culture.
Other notable events include:
- The International Competition, showcasing films such as The Monk by Mira Jargil and Christian Sønderby Jepsen, and Isabelle Stengers: fabriquer de l’espoir au bord du gouffre by Fabrizio Terranova.
- Biografilm Italia, focusing on local stories with films like Romina by Valerio Lo Muzio and Michael Petrolini, and Sindrome Italia by Ettore Mengozzi.
- Special events featuring Woman of… by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, and The Animal Kingdom by Thomas Cailley.
- The Biografilm Art & Music section, presenting films at the intersection of visual art and music, including Teaches of Peaches by Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer.
Selected Films and Screenings
- I Am the River, the River Is Me by Petr Lom: Explores the relationship between indigenous communities and their natural environment. The screening will be followed by a discussion organized by We World, IT.A.CÀ, and YODA APS.
- Selling a Colonial War by In-Soo Radstake: Delves into the propaganda surrounding colonial conflicts. This film will be followed by a debate curated by Resistenze in Cirenaica, with the director in attendance.
- Stray Bodies – Corpi erranti by Elina Psykou: Examines the lives of refugees and migrants, highlighting their struggles and resilience. This screening is in collaboration with Associazione Luca Coscioni and Period Think Tank.
- Another Body by Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn: Tackles issues of identity and representation, featuring a post-screening discussion on the portrayal of people with disabilities in media.
- Nomade che non sono altro by Fedora Sasso: Offers a poignant look at the lives of itinerant communities, with a focus on memory and belonging.
- Death Is a Problem for the Living by Teemu Nikki: A darkly humorous take on mortality, featuring insights from the film’s creators and the Emilia-Romagna Film Commission.
- E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea by Margot Labadie: Explores the life and work of the pioneering architect and designer Eileen Gray, focusing on her iconic modernist villa, E.1027. The film provides a deep dive into Gray’s artistic vision and her impact on modern architecture.
- Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania: Tells the compelling story of four sisters navigating life’s challenges in contemporary Tunisia. The film highlights themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity.
With a diverse lineup and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, Biografilm 2024 is set to be a remarkable celebration of documentary cinema’s past, present, and future. For more details and the full program, visit biografilm.it.
