Tonight at 9.30pm, Europa Cinema is screening the winner of the Golden Lion in Venice, the Venezuelan film From Afar, directed by Lorenzo Vigas. Set in the poor neighbourhoods of Caracas, From Afar is a layered portrayal of the psyche of man who does not bear physical contact. A story about frustrated desire and deeply rooted and unsurmountable stratification of Venezuelan society. Wealthy middle-aged Armando uses money to lure attractive young men to his home. He doesn’t want to touch them, rather just watch. One day Armando experiences a violent encounter with a 17-year-old delinquent Elder and becomes obsessed with the young man.
Sparrows, the magnificent dreamlike film by Rúnar Rúnarsson is a coming-of-age tale about 16-year-old Ari. Against a stunning backdrop of Icelandic landscape, Ari is discovering the difficulties of grown-up life, but also its attractive vices, man’s bestial cruelty and love. Immersing deep into the human psyche and emotions, the film focuses on human imperfections, complexities of growing up and man’s constant search of shelter and peace. Sparrows are Rúnarsson’s second feature film, the winner of San Sebastian’s Golden Shell for best film. His feature debut Volcano was shown at the 10th ZFF. The Croatian premiere of Sparrows at Europa Cinema, 7pm, will be attended by director Rúnar Rúnarsson, actor Ingvar E. Sigurdsson, producers Mikkel Jersin and Lilja Ósk Snorradóttir and the Croatian co-producer Igor A. Nola.