Michele Martin's Picks
We asked filmmaker Michele Martin to pick some of her favorite films from our library. Here are her choices:
Bad Romance
Original, hilarious and well-written. The lead, Sanjay Rao, is pitch perfect and is backed up by a fantastic cast!
If your tastes run a little weird, and you need a laugh, this is your new favorite. ❤️ I know it is mine! It touched my heart.
Comedy/Drama from the US
Mediterranean
To help us understand other cultures are not so different, we have this beautiful and excellent film. The lead character, played by Mehraveh Sharifinia, is steadfast in her determination to find her kidnapped love. Navigating through political landmines, we struggle with her, we love with her, we understand through her. She hits every note with ease. I'm thankful films like Mediterranean exist. This film is a great example of why independent film matters.
Political Drama/Romance from Iran
Anatar
Brilliantly imaginative and well executed. Think Star Wars with ducks. Don't discount this film as just a novelty. It is touching and has so much to say about loving one another, no matter who we are, duck or man. I cannot give this film enough credit for what they pulled off. Great cast, production value and a much needed universal message.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Comedy/Romance from Italy
Luc Van Tien: Kung Fu Warrior
Andy Long - Learn his name if you're a Jackie Chan fan. Andy is a protege of Jackie's and this film is where Andy steps into the spotlight. With lots of action, an original, loveable story and message, his film is big fun for all ages.
Action/Comedy from Vietnam
A Brush of Violence
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. If you're a fan of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this film-though on the shorter side-has maximum dramatic impact. I was blown away by Yavor Vesselinov's performance. He is the real deal and so is his partner in the piece, Mia Krystyna. This film is a true rebel with an independent spirit and heart. Bravo!
Dark Thriller/Drama from the US
Die Parkie Storie
This film speaks to my inner nerd and I love it! Have you ever wanted super powers? I know I do. This is a tiny film with a great big heart. If you need a little spirit lifter, you found it! The characters are refreshing, frank, and loveable.❤️
Comedy/Fantasy from South Africa
Homecoming
Get your tissues out, Homecoming is a life-affirming, beautifully simple film with excellent actors including Swedish ingenue Ellen Helinder and veteran actor Peter Sjöquist.
Family Drama/Romance from Sweden
Home-Sitters
A wannabe actress housesitting for the weekend after a bad breakup doesn't sound that exciting, but just wait. Her skills and talents as an actress are fully utilized as a group of mercenaries come to kill her and her friends. A slow beginning, but action-packed, witty and fun. Obviously doing her own stunts in many scenes, this is a breakout performance by Chloé Guillot.
Action/Comedy from France
Forty Winks
Stylized, inventive, cool, and avant garde, here's Forty Winks, starring Justin Marcel McManus, John Turturro, and Susan Sarandon. This film and its very odd take on purgatory gives "fake it till you make it" a whole new vibe. This film is worth a view if you're into the creative experiment.
Avant Garde Drama from the US
NYC Dreams
A beautifully executed film is an LGBTQ romance, where you transcend into the world of storytelling through dance. You fall for the struggling lead and through his dreams, we dream too.
Artistic Drama/LGBTQ from the US
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