Contributor Marina Ashioti

Two young men relaxing in a grassy field.
Festival

Lilies Not For Me – first-look review

by Marina Ashioti

Will Seefried’s confident debut feature tackles a devastating, overlooked history through queer romance in the 1920s.
A smartphone displaying a portrait image of a person with dark hair, wearing a black top.
Festival

*smiles and kisses you* – first-look review

by Marina Ashioti

A man's complicated relationship with an AI-powered doll is the subject of this oddly moving yet morally grey documentary.
Two women dressed in vibrant, colourful clothing pose together in a lush, verdant setting.
Review

Alma’s Rainbow review – a stylish gem

by Marina Ashioti

30 years since its initial release, Ayoka Chenzira’s underseen debut feature receives a gorgeous 4K restoration.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A person with curly hair and glasses appears to be in conversation with another person, with colourful lights in the background.
Review

Àma Gloria – Gorgeous domestic drama on the meaning of parenthood

by Marina Ashioti

Marie Amachoukeli’s second film is a triumph of political and emotional sensitivity in its depiction of a young girl and her nanny.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Four adults toasting with wine glasses at a dining table set with food and drink.
Review

Four Little Adults review – earnest yet soapy

by Marina Ashioti

Facing a marital crisis, a couple venture into the world of polyamory in Selma Vilhunen's Finnish relationship drama.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Three men in military uniforms and hats, one appears to be giving instructions to the others.
Review

Disco Boy review – a bold yet banal character study

by Marina Ashioti

Two men in search of a better life meet by chance in the Niger Delta – one in the French Foreign Legion, the other a revolutionary with dreams of becoming a dancer.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Silhouettes of dancers on stage with vibrant purple and orange lighting, geometric shapes, and twinkling stars.
Review

Give Me Pity! review – an experimental, esoteric extravaganza

by Marina Ashioti

A young woman's dream gig on television descends into chaos in Amanda Kramer's imaginative new melodrama.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Gloved hand holding "PRESS" sign, overlooking cloudy cityscape below.
Review

20 Days in Mariupol review – brave piece of frontline journalism

by Marina Ashioti

Ukrainian Associated Press journalist Mstyslav Chernov chronicles the the invasion of the port city of Mariupol.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two men in black uniforms holding firearms in a dilapidated urban setting.
Review

Once Upon a Time in Uganda review – an effusive love letter

by Marina Ashioti

This entertaining documentary celebrates the low-budget action movies of “Uganda’s Quentin Tarantino”, Isaac Nabwana.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A woman sitting on a bed in a dimly lit, cosy bedroom with wooden furniture and curtains.
Festival

The full BFI London Film Festival 2023 line-up has been announced

by Marina Ashioti

Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things and Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn are among the picks of this year’s bumper LFF crop.

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