Still: Al Baraneya - Ashgan El-Hamus

In the New Directors Competition, Al Baraneya* by Ashgan El-Hamus will make its appearance following its world premiere in Venice. The film follows Amal, a young and pregnant woman caught between family tradition and the promising city, who begins to mistrust the future laid out for her. Produced by BALDR Film, the film marks El-Hamus’ feature debut. Ahead of Venice, SEE NL spoke with the director about the film. Read the interview here.

Stand Up**, directed by Mari Sanders, has been selected for Departures. Produced by The Film Kitchen and represented internationally by Loco Films, the film world premiered at Tribeca. When Vera (23) ends up in a wheelchair after an accident she must reinvent her life. Will she embrace her limitations, or fight to appear as ‘normal’ as possible? The film stars Golden Calf winner Daan Buringa and is also part of Disability in Focus, a programme presented by the Chicago International Film Festival in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago, showcasing disability-inclusive films. Before Tribeca, SEE NL interviewed writer-director Mari Sanders on the ferry to the EYE Filmmuseum. Watch the video interview here.

In the Documentary Competition, Mariinka* by Pieter-Jan De Pue explores the impact of war through the lives of four orphaned brothers in Ukraine, who struggle to find purpose amid chaos in their hometown Mariinka. The film is minority co-produced in the Netherlands by Submarine and represented internationally by Films Boutique. The documentary celebrated its world premiere at CPH:DOX, and was also part of Movies that Matter. We spoke with Submarine producer Sasja Opdam about the film, ahead of its premiere in Copenhagen. Read the interview here.

Find out more about Chicago International Film Festival and the programme through their website.

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*Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund and Production Incentive