Five Picks For the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma

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The 44th edition of Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (FNC) is ongoing until October 18th. This 11-day film festival features independent films from around the world. This year, there are close to 350 one-of-a-kind films along with interactive events and workshops. The Food Sessions, held on every day of FNC, are an interactive sound and food experience where the narrator guides you through a culinary biography with each bite. It’s a silent disco for foodies and movie lovers.

More sections include:
Temps ø: the wild bunch – bold, cinematic rebels and adventurous films.
International Competition: the festival’s flagship section – gutsy cinema that breaks ground.
Special Presentation: the big names in cinema and this year’s most talked-about films.

Here is an overview of five films you don’t want to miss:

Yakuza Apocalypse
Japan – Dir. Takashi Miike
Boss Kamiura (Lily Franky) is a feared and invincible yakuza, but is loved by everyone. He assures peace for his small town. However, what no one knows is that he is actually a vampire. When a rival cartel comes and murders him, Kamuira bites his faithful protégé, Kageyama (Hayato Ichihara) before dying. Kageyama later becomes a vampire and wants to avenge his boss. Takashi Miike’s film is full of gore, eccentric characters and non-stop fighting.
Wednesday October 14: Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin, room 10 at 9:00 p.m.
Temps Ø

Ruined Heart – Another Love Story between A Criminal & A Whore
Philippines/Germany – Dir. Khavn De La Cruz
A criminal (talented Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano) meets and falls in love with a prostitute (Nathalia Acevedo). Together, they have to run away if they want to survive life. What makes this story different from others? It’s a noir punk opera that showcases Manilla’s underworld (Philippines). The film barely has dialogue, focusing instead on music, poetry and noise. It’s a movie for punk lovers with blood, love and sex.
Friday October 16: Concordia University – Salle J.A. de Sève at 9:00 p.m.
Temps Ø

From Afar
Venezuela – Dir. Lorenzo Vigas
Armando (Alfredo Castro) is a wealthy middle-aged homosexual man. He lures young men into his house in exchange for money. However, he doesn’t touch them; he simply observes them from a strict distance. Despite a first violent encounter with street thug Elder (Luis Silva), Armando is fascinated by the handsome teenager who, in need of money, visits him regularly. This film depicts Caracas’ lower class communities. From Afar won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Saturday October 17: Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin, room 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Special Presentation

600 Miles
Mexico/United States – Dir. Gabriel Ripstein
Good-looking Arnulfo Rubio (Kristyan Ferrer) smuggles weapons for a deadly Mexican cartel. With his baby face, Arnulfo (in his 20s) isn’t suspected as he drives the 600-miles from Arizona to Mexico. ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) agent, Hank Harris (Tim Roth), suspects Arnulfo and tries to arrest him. Unfortunately, he gets caught in Arnulfo’s trap and the situation rapidly derails. 600 Miles won the award for Best First Feature at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival and will represent Mexico for the Foreign Language Oscar at the 88th Academy Awards.
Wednesday October 14: Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin, room 17 at 5:15 p.m.
International Competition

Coin Locker Girl
South Korea – Dir. Jun-Hee Han
Il-Young was abandoned in a coin locker at a subway station when she was a baby. She was picked up by delinquents on the orders of “Mother” (Kim Hye-Soo), the boss of a loan shark group. Il-Young (Kim Go-Eun) grows into a violent and devoted teenager, willing to do anything for Mother. However, when she falls in love, Mother is not happy – and one does not want to upset Mother.
Friday October 16: Cinéma du Parc, room 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Temps Ø

Le Festival du Nouveau Cinéma runs until October 18th with screenings at multiple theatres. Tickets can be purchased through their website.