VERA DREAMS OF THE SEA (Directed by Kaltrinia Ktasniqui) ****

 

 A stark glimpse into men controlling inheritance laws in Kosovo. But this is  really a film about a strong woman who signs for a living. Her husband, a judge has just committed suicide. This is covered up in the news, as is his gambling problem. Vera is pressured to sign away a little home to her brother-in-law and his posse of manipulators. Vera is magnificently played with stoic focus by the brilliant actress Teuta Adjini. The film is dark yet heroic.

BREAD AND TULIPS, directed by Silvio Saldino*****

 I loved this charming Italian film about a woman who finds love and her own freedom - by not staying behind for the bus to pick her up at a stop during a tour of Italy. The bus driver has forgotten her and  the bus returns to get her, but she is nowhere to be found. Her husband is mean and furious. She decides to go to Venice and this is where her authentic self begins. Moving from room to room, she meets a mysterious and very kind man named Fernando. He gives up his room for her as well. Fernando runs a restaurant with no cook. This is how Rosalba and him meets. The relationship grows ever so subtly but genuinely into a love. But Rosalba is shamed into returning to her dull house wife work back home to an angry ungrateful husband. How it ends is so heartwarming. This romantic gem shows that love can happen at any age with the least suspecting suitor at the most unsuspecting times. 

SISTERHOOD, Directed by Dina Duma ****

 

An extraordinary plot featuring two inseparable friends - both excellent swimmers. Jana is a daredevil and manipulates Maya, the introvert of the two, who always gives in to Jana. Out of control drunken teenage boys party with the girls and others – one in particular that everyone calls a slut. Her name is Helena. Her sexual act with one of the boys meant to be private is caught by the two girls and they post the act.

Things get very bad for the girls and between them when a catastrophe happens. Jana makes sure that the secret they have is never told. But Maya struggles with this terrible secret, and guilt eats her up. Conflicts between Jana and Maya reach their apex. This is a marvellously acted film in which the  Macedonian director, Dina Duva plays Helena. A great take on how even the closest of friendships can rupture.

Dina Duva