The Sunny Bunny Queer Film Festival will be held in Kyiv from April 17 to 24. Together with its director, film critic Bohdan Zhuk, we have selected seven films that you should not miss: from the sensational British drama “A History of Sound” with Paul Mescal to the poignant Argentine film “Dog, Dog” about a man who behaves like an animal.
“History of Sound”
Advertising.
One of the most high-profile films of the festival, starring audience favorites Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor. South African director Olivier Hermanus' film tells a moving story about two men who decide to record the authentic folk music of their compatriots in the New England countryside during World War I. The events begin in Boston in 1917 and continue several years later in an ethnographic journey through the most remote corners of Maine, which also becomes romantic. A sophisticated film with powerful dramatic acting.
“Dog, dog”
The touching Argentine film “Dog, Dog” is the work of Marco Berger, winner of the “Teddy” award at the Berlin Film Festival for the film “Absent”. The main character of the film is Juan, who during his journey finds a mysterious man who behaves like a dog. Filled with compassion, he decides to take care of him and take him in. Juan's girlfriend warns that his emotional attachment may have unpredictable consequences.
“Unexpected tenderness”
Swedish filmmaker Esther Bergsmark's documentary is based on her own experiences and tells the story of a transphobic attack Esther experienced in 2011 when she moved to Berlin. The director explores the nature of violence, trans experiences, and healing from fear and trauma and finding new paths to joy. “It's about being with fear, about how darkness, fear, and things that are sometimes very difficult can become sources of strength, beauty, connection, and community,” Bergsmark says.
“A film for adults”
Young American director Eliot Tuttle explores the theme of transgressive sexuality and its impact on the human psyche. His “Adult Film” tells the story of a camboy who makes a living broadcasting his sexuality via webcam. After agreeing to spend the night with an anonymous client, Aaron Eagle is confronted with the ghosts of his past.
“Enzo”
The new film by French director Robin Campillo, a multiple César Award winner, is shot in a duet with Laurent Cante. According to the plot, a 16-year-old boy goes against the expectations of his bourgeois family and becomes an apprentice to a bricklayer. In a new place, he meets a charismatic Ukrainian colleague who turns his world upside down.
“Gorgon”
An industrial city built around an oil refinery, and Maria, who refuses to play the role assigned to her by society, challenges the men, aiming to become the leader of the gang. However, the arrival of the spectacular singer Eleni not only changes the rules of the game, but also awakens Maria's hidden mystical abilities.
“Gorgon” is a film by Greek director Eva Kaloiropoulos, which participated in the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals.
“The hidden face of the earth”
Another very beautiful documentary in the Sunny Bunny program is “The Hidden Face of the Earth” by French cinematographer and director Arnaud Alain. The hero of the film, Dimitri, loves to photograph friends, strangers, and loved ones. Over the years, these images have gradually slipped from his memory. Through the camera lens, he captures the light and outlines of bodies, inviting us to direct our gaze to the hidden face of the Earth.