For its sixth edition, the Latin American Film Festival Berlin (Lakino) has lined up another slate of films from South and Central America that have received critical acclaim or found public support the world over.
The six-day festivities kick off with two Colombian films that made a splash at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Seen through the eyes of a young girl soldier, Alias María expands on the issue of children’s involvement in Colombia’s armed conflicts. With great candor and intelligence, it brings to life a story both poignant and revealing.
Golden Camera winner Land and Shade deals with the difficult relationship between an old man and his estranged family as they struggle to make ends meet. While somewhat restrained in appearance, the film showcases performances of great dramatic force and features meticulous camera work that sharpens its thematic focus.
Another film that has received considerable attention is the Argentinean production La Salada, which follows three immigrants grappling with their newfound lives in Buenos Aires. Although it might seem less than subtle at times in its approach, the drama manages to find depth and meaning in the seemingly mundane, lending colours and shades to a rather sombre portrayal of life in an impersonal urban space.
For the complete festival programme and screening schedules, check www.lakino.com.
LAKINO FESTIVAL Oct 13-18 | Kino Babylon, Rosa-Luxemburg- Str. 30, Mitte, U-Bhf Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
