"Agnes Joy" Film Review

What I love about some films this year is that they seem to have more in depth storytelling, relatability and a very strong character development with characters we can relate to. Agnes Joy is no exception to that. The film is Iceland's official selection for Best International Feature Film for the 93rd Academy Awards©. 

Agnes Joy shows a complex family dynamics that seems to revolve around a boring, unfulfilled and stagnant life. It is a reality that some of us know painfully well. Every character in the film experiences a reality of their own that they want to change so they look outside themselves for someone to save them. It is refreshing for me to see a family dynamic story told in a simple, straight forward way with an exceptional narrative. I also loved the fact that this was the first film from Iceland that I was fortunate to see. I liked that the film didn't focus on Iceland as a tourist destination as some would expect but rather a place like any other with complex lives that need repair and hope even amidst nature's beauty.

Agnes Joy

Rannveig is a mother, wife, daughter and in serious need for change. She is experiencing burnout in all aspects of her everyday life. She is stuck with a job she hates and a slow dying marriage. She also constantly fights her rebellious daughter Agnes the same way she fights her own mother. When a new neighbor arrives, Rannveig has to confront new challenges in her relationships as her daughter fights to get back her independence, while making terrible choices. Agnes Joy was directed by Silja Hauksdóttir and written by Hauksdóttir, Rannveig Jónsdóttir and Jóhanna Fridrika Sæmundsdóttir.

Growing up in a different culture, with a controlling mother and an absent-minded father, is something I know way too well as I have dealt with it my entire life. It is a prison of control that leaks through all aspects and areas of your life, limiting the way you see yourself, the world and others. It gets passed on from one generation to another, a parent to a child, until someone is brave enough to break the chain. It is also a narrative that is not commonly seen on such a level and intimacy as in Agnes Joy. The inner turmoil that each character faces is portrayed through many layers and emotions visibly seen in their faces and body language. 

Making this film that reflects reality in some way, gives women suffering in silence a voice, helping them feel seen and their story being told. The plot of the film is so complex and yet so simple that the intertwined faiths and realities of the characters seem to connect and come to one conclusion - letting go. Letting go of control is not an easy task. At the end of the day, only one person can save you and that is yourself. 

Rannveig

I wish more films show family dynamics in such nature and in such detail as it is refreshing to see real and relatable stories and characters come to life on the big screen. The storytelling, character development and acting was superb! The only criticism I have is the way the cinematography was done as I found it a bit dull, one dimensional and plain at times. I wanted to see more in the use of the camera lens when showing the complexity in Iceland's culture, nature, homes, colors and how they connect with one another.  

I wish Agnes Joy luck in their Oscars nomination!

Rating: 4 out of 5

"Wander Darkly" Film Review

This year we all have been wondering in the darkness of getting through a pandemic, uncertainty and fear. The journey has not been easy but I believe what will get us through it are faith, hope and love. In that same manner, the recent film Wander Darkly, explores the darkness of the human mind filled with fear, jealousy, anger and loss. Even though the film is about romantic love and loss, while finding it through pain and darkness, I can see many of its concepts relate to today's new norm we all live in.

The concept of the film revolves around a traumatic accident, which leaves an unmarried couple, Adrienne (Sienna Miller) and Matteo (Diego Luna), in a surreal state of being that takes them on a disorienting journey through the duality of their shared moments.  By reliving memories from the beginning of their romantic journey while navigating the overwhelming truths of their present, they must rediscover the love that truly binds them together. It is an emotionally moving story about a couple who must reflect on their past in order to face their uncertain future. The film is written and directed by Tara Miele.

  

I found myself crying by the end of the film. The superb acting, familiar concept of loss and love, the trauma, and hope that revolve as occurring themes throughout the movie, can leave you on a roller coaster ride full of emotions. I believe that the film has come out at the right time when all of us are in our own journey in finding the light at the end of this dark tunnel. I couldn't help but empathize with the main characters, especially Adrienne who as a woman, girlfriend and mother represents so many of us and our own life struggles. 

What I also found fascinating about the film was the setting and the decor, intentionally chosen to be part of the story. Each element, whether a table, a chair or curtains, had a meaning and was a part of the character's story, providing an answer in solving the puzzle of the complexity of the characters. 

After speaking with Set Decorator Adrienne Garcia at the CherryPicks Roundtable Online Discussion, I found out that she worked really hard to dive in the psychic of the main characters and make sure that each element gave out a clue to their culture, feelings, believes and backstory. The cinematography is done in a way that follows the "unreliable narrator's" mind in a precise way as if we follow her quest for the truth amidst uncertainty, lack of clarity and blurred vision. So watch out for those set decor clues when you attempt to figure out the mystery in the film. It is a spiritual journey that ends in a hopeful way. 

CherryPicks Roundtable Discussion with Set Decorator Adrienne Garcia

The message that I took away from the film was "Love One Another" and "Forgive" because you never know when a loved one can be taken away from you unexpectedly. Wander Darkly is available In Select Theaters and On Demand starting December 11. 

SCORE: 5 out of 5

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Female Voices Rock Film Festival - a Window to the Woman's Soul

In a world where women are constantly told to be silent and bury their voices, the Female Voices Rock Film Festival gives them a voice. The festival took place online on December 4-10 and it opened the female conversation that we should have been having long ago. There were over 70 short films selected out of a thousand submissions, in different categories ranging from web series, documentary, drama to comedy, and more. 

 "Hosting this year's festival virtually opens up a great door of opportunity for our filmmakers to expand their audiences, creating an even larger platform to uplift these diverse voices," says Female Voices Rock Founder and Executive Director Catherine Delaloye. "With the hardships that 2020 brought us, we wanted to carry forward with the festival to create the necessary space for creatives of all backgrounds, ages, races, and at different points in their careers, to share their stories, and dedicate this year's festival to keeping us all connected during these times."

In the current film climate, there is an over-saturation of the same type of films, the same type of perspectives and stories with a lack of diverse voices. With the Female Voices Rock Film Festival, I finally had a fresh breath of air - the women stories told reflect so many of our own. I wish that we can see more films like that on the big and little screen. Regardless of which part from the world the film was, they all resonated with me on some level and I am sure they did for most women. The festival opened a united dialogue that we as women must have because the stronger our voices and our stories, the more we can claim our place in the world. This festival was the start of the dialogue for me. 

As women we are often told who we should be, what we should do, how we should act and what our place in the world is. It is about time we say enough is enough. The Female Voices Rock Film Festival is a way to change that. 

In addition to the featured short films, there were LIVE panels and discussions about important topics related to women in film. Some of the panels included: "Building a Career in Animation," "Creating Responsible Content and Shifting the Narrative," "Stuntwomen - In Action," among many others. In those discussions the female panelists gave an overview of their career path, experiences, as well as advice to other women who are or want to be in the movie industry. 

My biggest take away points from the festival were:

"Every dream has a price."

"Getting lost is part of the journey."

"I thought I looked the way that I felt on the inside."

"The Indigenous women were the first females who were able to vote in their tribes in the US."

In the discussion "Creating Responsible Content and Shifting the Narrative," TV Producer Heather Rae talked about the importance of diversity in film and storytelling and how "white privileged men" are the ones in control about who tells the narrative that we should be telling instead. Rae's work of finding those untold stories and aiming to preserve her Indigenous heritage in film, leads the way for other women to make a change. Now is the time to tell our own stories through our own lens instead of relying on the "white male's lens." Rae also talked about how democracy existed first among the Indigenous people and women were able to vote for their tribe leader. What I took away from the conversation is that the Indigenous women were the ones who helped ignite the revolution for women's voting rights in the US.  

My personal favorite top 10 shorts from the festival were:

1. Dear Father (Directed by Maren Klakegg) - a Norwegian story of surviving sexual abuse by her father, the main hero in the story is able to confront her pain and heal in order to make sure her kids live a happier life than the one she did. The film was raw, authentic, emotional and it helps tell the story by giving a voice of any woman who has gone through parental abuse. 

2. All Hail Beth (Directed by Misha Calvert) - This web series is a comedy with so much insight and such a fresh take on the female power. Available to watch on YouTube, the series tells the story of how humble and yet powerful the female nature can be and how women can lead this world of hatred and war, because "men love war and chaos," to peace, humanity and love. I loved the concept and the subtle clues that it is time for change and that more women should be in leader positions. 

3. Bumper (Directed by Nirina Ralantoaritsimba) - This French comedy short finally gives voice to an older senior woman and the chance to show off her acting abilities as the lead. Solely carried by a woman in her 70-80s, this comedy shows that age is just a number and women are strong, funny and independent even in the "older ages." Winner: Best International Short

4. Without a Whisper (Directed by Katsitsionni Fox) - This documentary about the indigenous women opened my eyes to the truth that is yet to be told in US history - the voting rights that existed among the Indigenous women way before the US and how they inspired the revolution for the women's right to vote in the US. The humble and yet powerful nature of the Indigenous women uplifts my heart and spirit. Winner: Best Documentary Film. 

5. On the Other Side (Directed by Estefania Rebellon and Kyle Schmidt) - This Mexican/US drama short is an exact depiction of the immigration nightmare many face in pursuit of the false illusion of the American dream that many are willing to die for. The film is extremely emotional, raw and the acting is superb. It portrays the high price immigrants pay in order to escape and find their American dream, while sacrificing their bodies, souls, loved ones and sanity. Winner: Best Narrative Film

6. A Life on Ice (Directed by Leigh Anne Sides) - Seeing women as heroes is always a delight. The main hero is first to discover difficult mountain territories and that is beyond inspiring. The documentary shows the bravery of one woman who chose her passion to conquer mountains over a suburban house and a steady life. Her story can inspire other women to live their lives as they want to and not as society expects them. She was criticized by many about her choice but she lived a happy life filled with adventure, love and mountains. 

7. Ingenue (Directed by Sophie Webb) - I am not a fan of the horror/thriller genre but this short was simply stunning with its message about the price women have to pay to be famous in Hollywood. In a spooky way it did show a reality many are unaware of - to make it one has to almost sell her soul and become someone else. 

8. Eyes Down ( Directed by Charlotte Daniel) - What I loved about this UK short is that it was carried solely on emotion, body movement and facial expression. Without any verbal narrative, it told the story of one trans woman so well that it can shift perspectives. The pain to fit in that this trans woman carried was well depicted in the film while the rest of society lived their "normal lives." Perhaps if we lived a day in someone else's shoes we would be more understanding, inclusive and accepting to others as a society. 

9. Another Place (Directed by Anna Radchenko) - The artwork and visual effects in this music video were superb. I was blown away by the blend of art and technology merged into one. The fantasy storytelling was very unique and I see this technique used in the future of music videos. 

10. For Kate (Directed by Claire Imler) - This emotional story of parental abuse and neglect, portrays a reality that is unfortunately way too familiar for many kids in the world. My hope is that after watching it, parents will have a wake up call and realize the damage they do to their own children. Sometimes, the biological parents are not the ones that make an impact in a kid's life but strangers who care more. Immigration is another plot intertwined in the film and how innocent people get taken away and treated like criminals because of their immigration status. 

It is refreshing to see new voices, real women stories from all over the world and movies that reflect the female reality ranging from immigration, menstruation, empowerment, heroism, sexual assaults, carrier choices, age, race, beauty, to name a few. Women are complex and so much is expected of us. By giving female directors and writers a voice to tell these stories is to give women a chance to be seen and heard in a male dominant world. Finally, I found films I can relate to, which can makes us feel less alone as women and more empowered as such. 

About Female Voices Rock Film Festival

Female Voices Rock was founded with the mission to inspire change in the industry and uplift women creators and storytellers. Dedicated to spotlighting marginalized voices, Female Voices Rocks creates equal space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ stories to be shared and heard. At the annual Female Voices Rock Film Festival, hundreds of filmmakers and leaders in the industry gather to celebrate these unique voices. Through programming designed to connect and educate members of the film community, Female Voices Rock has built a foundation of equality and diversity that inspires forward-looking change.

For more information about Female Voices Rock, visit www.femalevoicesrock.com.

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