September 2024 saw Modern Times Review on-site at the AJB DOC Film Festival. As we move into October and partners DOK Leipzig, Majordocs, Ji.hlava IDFF, and MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo. But first, one more look back at the films, interviews, and news featured across the platform from the month that was.
Follow Editor-in-Chief Truls Lie on Telegram and Industry Editor Steve Rickinson on Twitter. Join our Facebook Group Modern Times Review, for an uncensored conversation on all things «Modern Times». And don’t forget to follow us on: Facebook, Instagram, X.
News
DOK Leipzig Retrospective explores «third ways» of the Cold War»
Sofia DocuMENTAL kicks off with Human Rights-focused programme
DOK Leipzig announces opening film, first non-competition programme titles
Verzió Documentary Film Festival announces first details for 21st edition
Rome’s MIA Market reveals documentary selections for 10th edition
Ji.hlava IDFF announces first titles, retrospectives, opening film for 2024 edition
Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days announces full list of 2024 award winners
Agora opens submissions for 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival
Danish documentarian Mette Hoffmann Meyer to receive honorary Emmy
Interview
«Justice is something worth living for»
How is it to be a Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory? We spoke to Francesca Albanese about Israel's war against Gaza, genocide, antisemitism, and impunity – from her specialisation on international law. She talks about political, legal, psychological, and epistemic violence – coming from how Israel, with Western acquiescence, has been threatening the Palestinians for decades.
Films
Holy Redemption
Director: José Carlos Soares, Tanju Şahin, Aslıhan Eker Çakmak
The blind obedience of radical Israeli settlers, their leadership influence, and the state of Israel's displacement tactics.
La hojarasca (The Undergrowth)
Director: Macu Machín
Three sisters reunite on a volcanic Canary Island to confront their inherited land—a task, a burden, and a promise—in a matriarchal world shaped by absence.
Reality Frictions
Director: Steve F. Anderson
Cinema's unique role in investigating reality, fiction, AI-driven propaganda, and how imagination shapes our perceptions in the post-truth world.
Riefenstahl
Director: Andres Veiel
Leni Riefenstahl shaped a controversial legacy, prompting reflection on whether her work’s fascist ideals still resonate in contemporary culture.
Tata
Director: Lina Vdovîi, Radu Ciorniciuc
An intimate story of family trauma and exploitation, tackling patriarchal structures and the complex life of migrant labourers.
Books
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur, provides a critical analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the injustices and legal violations faced by Palestinians in occupied territories.