Just some thoughts I have on a bunch of the shorts that played as part of this programme.

I Saw the Face of God in the Jet Wash

I dug this companion short film to Rose of Nevada. After having seen Rose of Nevada I’m not sure there’s much further insight gained there that can be applied to this film, but it’s still a nice watch!

Like a travelogue of sorts mixed in with a rambling stream of consciousness narration that blurs between what may have actually happened versus our own fallible and unreliable memories. Makes some very subtle references to his other films such as that particular movie about a woman alone on the island a.k.a. Enys Men, plus a moment that Jenkin himself says is the inspiration point for Rose of Nevada itself which also involves the mention of a similarly red fishing boat. Quite lovely, funny and charming to watch.

Cairo Streets

What I have more to say about this will be informed by filmmaker Abdellah Taïa himself. His love for Egyptian cinema especially focused on love stories, the fact that he filmed this across 7 years between 2003 to 2010, and his willingness to boldly pursue his passion and love for film even though it’s mostly looked down upon in Moroccan society. I also dug his free-spirited and optimistic attitude during the Q&A. No inhibitions whatsoever on filming and engaging with others in the city streets of Cairo even as a gay man living in an otherwise very oppressed society. Quite bold, interesting and informative.

Daria’s Night Flowers

Quite a pretty looking film, with narration that tells the story of a woman who falls in love with another woman, married to a husband who is very much against the relationship and who wants nothing more than to destroy her writings. Uses a lot of archival footage from other Iranian films, reinterpreted to suit the story and messaging in rather interesting ways. Bold especially at a time when such queer themes would not be widely accepted by Iranian society and customs.

Aftertide

Not sure if this was all done on cyanotypes, but it was pretty to look at regardless. It was quite short, and I found myself wanting more after the abrupt cut to the waves and the whale carcass at the end.