Every time I walk away from the Gold Coast Film Festival I leave with a renewed perspective on local cinema. It is the Gold Coast Film Festival that has this effect on me and keeps me coming back for more. Whether it be the perspective of a young girl like in Nervous Translation or of a human with unusually accurate detecting abilities similar to that of a dog, such as with Border or that of a young man with Asperger’s syndrome and a chef with anger-management issues such as with Quanto basta. The point being is that there are a myriad of perspectives available for audiences as part of the Gold Coast Film Festival. That these varied perspectives help the average cinema-goer see more to life than merely what is projected by Hollywood.
I cannot begin to emphasise the beauty of the intimate character portraits witnessed on screen over the days that I was present for the festival. The endearing portrayal by Ana Brun as ‘Chela’ in Paraguayan Drama The Heiresses (2018) was fascinating to view and her character growth throughout the film was extremely powerful. It is subtle differences in a character that show us who they are, what they desire, and who they ultimately are. The power of film is being able to empathise with a character unlike our own and being able to draw similarities to ourselves and connect with our own vulnerabilities. There are no limits with empathy, and the various films that centred around studying and analysing the central character and the lengths they go to to find happiness was truly empowering to watch. It makes me truly proud to be a part of the festival and be able to experience this kind of cinema.
The detail and nuance in the films was spectacular. Such as with Swedish Drama/Thriller Border (2018), the characters involved were unusual and confronting and audience members clearly had mixed reactions. It was interesting to be able to hear awkward chuckles in a film that was meant to be taken seriously, and as the film progressed it was clear that it was a film like no other with tonal shifts and a heavy Fantasy element as opposed to merely Crime or Drama being the focus. Customs Officer ‘Tina’ Eva Melander doesn’t appear to be an ordinary human and is by no means one. She has an impeccable sense of smell and can detect dangerous individuals with harmful plans, which makes me wonder why this film didn’t have a stronger Crime/Thriller aspect, however, it is clear that the chosen driving force was Fantasy so complicated themes on identity and self-discovery could be explored.
The heartfelt Italian Comedy Quanto basta (2018) was a joy from start to finish and yet another character study. This time exploring themes on cooking and finding your passion while keeping the focus on the young ‘Guido’ who has Asperger’s Syndrome and is effortlessly played by Luigi Fedele. It goes to show that good humour and heart can win an audience, as with ‘Arturo’ played by Vinicio Marchioni. The mesh of characters was what made this film so tasteful, as with an aspiring chef with Asperger’s Syndrome and a chef of his own making who happens to be in trouble with the law ends up teaching ‘Guido’ cooking lessons through community service. This inspiring combination brings family and friends together for a film that is enjoyable, with a humble perspective that ultimately portrays two outsiders doing their best to make it work what what they have been given. This film reflects an important perspective that reinforces the Gold Coast Film Festival which is that as audience members we should celebrate different perspectives and ways of seeing, and rejoice in this fact.
It seems as though the Gold Coast Film Festival 2019 successfully celebrates and provides a myriad of perspectives so that audience members can see through the another's eyes. The focus on character studies any portrayals of a versatile range of characters is important to see on screen and this is reflected as part of the program for the Gold Coast Film Festival. There is always a unique and interesting energy involved with each film that is presented on the screen. The best part of experiencing new content in a festival setting is getting to see if for the first time and fall in love with each film for what it is.
There is always something interesting around the corner with the Gold Coast Film Festival and always excitement to share when it comes to talking about the films that have been screened at the festival. I am left with unforgettable moments of these fantastic films that have ultimately left me challenged and changed and made me see another way of looking at the world. For this, I thank you Gold Coast Film Festival 2019. It’s safe to say, I can’t wait to do it all again in 2020!
Gold Coast Film Festival 2019
3rd - 14th April 2019
Joanna Letic