Tuesday, 20 October 2020

FILM REVIEW: International Films #2 - Bolton Film Festival


2 more films from the International genre listings of this year's Bolton Film Festival.

1. I Am Mackenzie - USA 2019 - Dir: Artemis Anastasiadou


A coming-of-age drama American style, as a teenage tomboy skater girl and her best friend find out that they care about each other more than just platonically; but it takes her wearing a shiny slutty dress that belongs to her dad's current lover to make him see her as female and sexy.

With a mostly pulsating soundtrack and an over-the-top father / girlfriend relationship happening as the subplot; Mackenzie (Shonah Smith) learns that love, life and sex are not always compatible and don't always go to plan. 

2 .Ashmina - UK 2018 - Dir: Dekel Berenson


Filmed entirely on location in Pokhara, Nepal, with the co-operation of the Nepalese government, we are shown the world of a young school-aged girl who is forced by her poor family to accept part-time work at a local paragliding club and is kept away from school, despite her wanting to attend. She is told that "someone like her" is lucky to have been given such a job and that she needs to consider her family. Even when she takes a short trip into the town centre one day after having been given a more-than-generous tip, she is accused of stealing from her father when she gets home.

I have no doubt that this documentary film is accurate and that young people do have such lives in this place; but this knowledge also makes me sad, and feel that there should be something that can be done to help them. 

Dikshya Karki plays her role of Ashmina with resolute sultriness throughout.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 18/10/20

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