Programmer Benita Paplauskaitė

Hard truths (dir. MIKE LEIGH)

MASTERS
If I were Pansy, I’d say: “Why are you even reading my recommendations? Can’t pick a film on your own?” But I’m not, so I highly recommend catching British cinema master Mike Leigh’s family drama Hard Truths at the festival. Leigh is known for his meticulous rehearsal process, allowing actors to fully embody their characters. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, the film’s lead, does exactly that inviting us to reflect on why we suppress emotions until they erupt in bursts of anger. You’ll either love this film or get mad at it, but one thing’s for sure – you won’t stay indifferent.

WISHING ON A STAR (DIR. PETER KEREKES)

CRITICS’ CHOICE
Recommended for Cancers, but not for Virgos. (Kidding, of course.) Slovak director Peter Kerekes was a skeptic when it came to astrology so much so that he postponed this project for three years. But it only took one dinner with Luciana to change his mind. Wishing on a Star explores how both internal and external journeys can lead to profound personal transformations. But this film isn’t just what you see on screen or hear in the theatre, it’s about the energy you’ll feel while watching it.

SOULEYMANE’S STORY (DIR. BORIS LOJKINE)

CRITICS’S CHOICE
Souleymane’s Story made me start leaving bigger tips for couriers. At a time when empathy is in short supply and migrant struggles are too often ignored, this is a film I wish everyone could see. Director Boris Lojkine crafts an intense and gripping narrative, capturing the unpredictability of city life through the eyes of an undocumented migrant. Though I last saw Souleymane’s Story at the Cannes Film Festival, it still lingers in my thoughts just as I believe it will in yours.

WITCHES (DIR. ELIZABETH SANKEY)

PANORAMA
Historical sources claim that witch hunts ended around the 18th century, but British director Elizabeth Sankey argues they still persist, just in different forms. Witches is a seemingly small yet incredibly significant film about postpartum depression and the ways patriarchal structures continue to demonise suffering women. If, like me, you find it infuriating to read comments condemning women for things that men receive sympathy for, this film is for you. And if you’ve ever left such a comment yourself, this film is especially for you.

MADS (DIR. DAVID MOREAU)

MIDNIGHT SCREAMS
If you decide to attend this late-night screening, as the title suggests, you’re in for a nightmare. I’m convinced that single-take films have a hypnotic grip that makes it nearly impossible to look away even long after the credits roll. David Moreau’s MadS is precisely that kind of film. So much happens that you might feel feverish by the end. And trust me, this experience is absolutely worth an hour and a half of your time.

CUCKOO (DIR. TILMAN SINGER)

MIDNIGHT SCREAMS
If you love horror, this might be one of the most thrilling films of the year for you. If you’re more sensitive to the genre, you’ll likely find your fingers covering your eyes, seamlessly blending into the film’s masterful cinematography. You’ll be on edge watching the eerie life of a secluded mountain town unfold, losing yourself in distorted time, sharp sound design, and the hypnotic performance of Euphoria star Hunter Schafer. You’ll whisper to the person next to you, “What is happening?” And just when you think you have it figured out, you’ll realize you don’t. Then, you’ll either thank me or curse me for recommending Cuckoo, but either way, you’ll want to talk about it.

SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT (DIR. JOHAN GRIMONPREZ)

MAKE SOME NOISE!
Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, John Coltrane – these are just a few of the jazz legends you’ll hear, even if you don’t consider yourself a jazz aficionado. But alongside them are other equally famous and politically significant figures who found themselves entangled in Cold War propaganda. Soundtrack to a Coup d’État explores the intersection of art, power, and political manipulation, crafting what is undeniably one of the most uniquely structured documentaries of the year. Here, every note, every quote, every frame matters.