World Premiere
On a clandestine date, a 40-something woman battling with her identity embarks on a journey of rediscovery that she cannot ignore nor fully encompass. This is a wonderful two-hander about courage and suppressed lesbian desire, a night to explore this other sexual orientation kept hidden for many years. It’s a thought-provoking story about life-changing choices as the characters unravel themselves, enhanced by incredibly strong writing that gives the actors a stage to shine on, and a complex lead performance which is where most of the dynamic and focus is. The film beautifully captures her conflicted state as her unhappy current life collides with the possibilities of the future.
Community Partner
Michelle Darkin Price, Adaya Henry, Daniel Poppitt
UK
2022
English
Featured in:
International Shorts: Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect
The films in this shorts program are all about connections. People connecting with one another, dealing with change, or rediscovering a part of themselves and their past.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
The Other
Filmed from 2017-2024, including post October 7 and during the subsequent war, Joy Sela's documentary is an inspiring testament to how human beings -- even in the worst circumstances -- can transcend difference to forge connection and understanding.
Familiar Touch
A loving portrait of an octogenarian transitioning into an assisted living facility, this award-winning first feature by choreographer Sarah Friedland has a simplicity and warmth that's exceptionally poignant.
Stories of Our Lives
Stories of Our Lives (62 mins) documents personal stories of lovers, fighters and rebels and the community histories that characterize the queer experience in Kenya. This is preceded by the touching and resonant 38-minute Nigerian love story, Ìfé.
Romeo and Juliet
Franco Zeffirelli directed one of the most successful and beloved of Shakespeare films, casting teenagers Leonard Whiting and Oliva Hussey as his star-crossed lovers. This month's Premium Pick by Sandy Dowling.
Super Happy Forever
This beguiling film depicts a man’s return to the Japanese seaside town where he met his now-deceased wife five years earlier. He tries to relive the past, and in the film's final section -- a flashback to 2018 -- the audience is afforded that privilege.
Credits
Executive Producer
Alexzandra Jackson
Producer
Charlie Clarke, Katie Smith
Screenwriter
Tommy Draper, Z. Igbe
Cinematography
Luke J. Collins
Editor
Emmalie El Fadli
Production Design
Danni Ebanks-Ingram
Original Music
Joni Fuller
Director
Sophie Black
Sophie Black has directed nine award-winning short films, including Night Owls (2016), which premiered at London Short Film Festival, and Songbird (2018). She was part of the BFI NETWORK x BAFTA Crew in both 2018 and 2019, and is a member of Directors UK. Black is also the founder of Triskelle Pictures, with credits including Stop/Eject (2014), which premiered at Raindance Film Festival before being longlisted for Best British Short Film at the 2015 BAFTAs.