Five More European Directors To Watch During The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

Some of the finest filmmakers working around the world will be showcasing their wares at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival – and you don’t have to look too far to find many of the most impressive names involved. The European scene has never been short of cinematic savvy and skill, and this year’s line-up is proof positive that the continent is kicking when it comes to fresh and exciting talent.

 

We already focused on five of the names to watch in the special issue of PLAY to celebrate the festival – click here if you missed it! – but we couldn’t stop there; so, without further ado, check out another batch of the brightest stars in cinema across Europe…

 

 

Michael Herbig (Germany)

Ballon

 

He might have made his name as a comedian, but given the reputation for his nation’s funnymen it might be no bad thing he’s gone straight! His contribution to festivities here is actually more of the spine-tingling that rib-tickling variety, as the story of an audacious attempt to escape from the communist East in a hot-air balloon is told in gripping style.

 

 

Alice Rohrwacher (Italy)

Happy as Lazzaro

 

For as long as the Italian has been making feature films, she’s been the toast of the industry; her debut full-length effort, Heavenly Body, drew rave reviews in Cannes in 2011. Last year’s festival saw her scoop the award for Best Screenplay with this touching buddy movie, where an unexpected friendship lays the foundation to explore wealth, contentment, and the importance of human connection.

 

 

 

Kirill Serebrennikov (Russia)

Leto

 

It’s a movie about music – but Jared’s nowhere in sight! Instead, this biographical tale unfolds in 1980s Leningrad, when a controversial rock movement captured hearts and minds. The director himself is a figure of some notoriety within Russia – completing this film while under house arrest – so it makes sense that the clash between art and politics is so well depicted.

 

 

Judith Davis (France)

Whatever Happened To My Revolution

 

A smart, sharp and sensitive study of thirty-somethings in a world of turmoil, it’s also a tender look at how the personal and political collide. Having made her name in front of the camera (and starring in this to boot), it’s the first full-length film Davis has helmed – and it suggests a fine future in the director’s chair awaits…

 

 

 

Moonika Siimets (Estonia)

The Little Comrade

 

The story of growing up under the shadow of Stalinist tyranny, you’d be forgiven for thinking the innocence and wonder of childhood would take a back seat – but this film delivers the unexpected. Emotionally powerful and visually rewarding, it sees the former documentary maker bring an air of realism to a tale which shines like a beacon in the darkness of the time…

 

 

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