New Zealand’s International Film Festival (NZIFF), the event all movie lovers have been waiting for, starts 19 July in Auckland. Verve is proud to bring you our pick of four movies not to miss.
PAST LIVES
Directed by Celine Song
Past Lives is a deeply moving love story exploring self-discovery and human connection. Set in late 90s Seoul, Nayoung and Hae Sung are separated when Nayoung’s family moves to America. After 12 years, Hae Sung reconnects with Nayoung, now Nora, via Facebook. Their Skype dates trigger memories, but Naora cuts ties for her artistic dreams. Another 12 years pass before Hae Sung visits Nora in New York. The film delicately explores diasporic identity, migration, and cultural challenges, capturing guarded emotions with soulful chemistry. Past Lives breathes life into cinematic romance, portraying the bittersweet beauty of transience.
THE STRANGEST OF ANGELS
Directed by Rebecca Tansley
Celebrated New Zealand writer Janet Frame’s life is portrayed in The Strangest of Angels. In 1952, fictional nurse Katherine Baillie arrives at Seacliff Mental Hospital, where her old classmate Janet Frame is a patient wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia. As Janet’s scheduled lobotomy approaches, Katherine grapples with conflicting emotions. The film, featuring soprano Anna Leese as Katherine, was shot on location at Auckland’s former Kingseat psychiatric hospital. Accompanied by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the NZ Opera production showcases the talents of New Zealand sopranos Jayne Tankersley and Anna Leese.
FALLEN LEAVES
Directed by Aki Kaurismaki
Aki Kaurismäki returns to the festival with Fallen Leaves, a charming romantic tale infused with his trademark deadpan style. Set in Helsinki, Ansa, a supermarket worker on an exploitative contract, meets lonely construction worker Holappa in a karaoke bar. Their budding romance faces mishaps and the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine adds tension. Kaurismäki’s distinctive visual style and Timo Salminen’s cinematography create a sealed yet recognisable world. Fallen Leaves combines wry humour, political commentary, and cinematic references.
ANATOMY OF A FALL
Directed by Justine Triet
Anatomy of a Fall is a sober courtroom procedural that explores the complexities of a relationship between a successful writer wife and a frustrated aspiring writer husband. When the husband’s death is questioned as suicide or murder, the film delves into multiple perspectives and fluid truths. As the wife defends herself in court, the intricate dynamics of their seemingly comfortable marriage face scrutiny. Anchored by a remarkable lead performance, the film embraces untidy ambiguities and challenges societal ideals of a perfect marriage.
Visit nziff.co.nz for more info.
