The best films during IDFA 2014
In just under two weeks, IDFA, the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, will begin in Amsterdam. From November 19 to November 30, hundreds of fascinating, inspiring, and intense stories will be shown in dozens of cinemas spread across the city, told by debuting and experienced filmmakers. Personally, IDFA is always a highlight of the year, and the day ticket sales start is marked grandly in my calendar. That day is November 11 at 7:00 PM, but today the program was already announced, so the great anticipation can begin. To make life a bit easier, I have already gone through the offerings and made a list of films that you definitely should see according to me.
Advanced Style
New Yorker Ari Seth Cohen started the blog Advanced Style, where Ari posts photos of super stylish older people – and that blog became a worldwide hit. In the film, we follow several women who became known through the blog and who all live more freely and loosely than many young people. They show that getting older is not a bad thing at all, but rather something wonderful.
Iris
Anyone who pays a little attention while looking at photos of New York high-class parties has probably seen Iris Apfel. She is a fabric designer, businesswoman, style icon, and 93 years old. She is a true free spirit and still very much in demand by everyone who wants ‘something’ in fashion. The documentary follows her in her daily life and gives a glimpse into her lush and legendary life.
Oh My Gosh, Zilla
Do you remember that story from a while ago about the girl who staged her entire trip through Asia? It was front-page news for a moment, and now there is a documentary about it. What she did was photoshop photos from the internet with her own head in them, she skyped with her parents from Asian restaurants on Zeedijk, and spent five weeks in her house with her boyfriend; the only one who knew what she was doing. The goal: to show that the polished world you see on social media is all fabricated.
Citizenfour
A bit heavier content but very interesting and worth seeing. Essentially, this is the story of whistleblower Edward Snowden, starting from the first email he sent under the name Citizenfour. The film promises to tell us Snowden's story, but also and especially to show what insane consequences it has to turn against the system. Snowden worked for the CIA and later for the NSA and revealed that the U.S. government has a certain program with which they can monitor almost all data that you as a human produce. The turning point of modern times in its most dangerous form.
My Dearest F#cking iPhone
We stay a bit with the negative digital consequences of ‘our’ time. In this film, we follow Claudia, who has a love-hate relationship with her iPhone. She feels insecure from all the beautiful photos that others post, feels lonely and alone, but at the same time cannot live without it. A relatable story for anyone with an iPhone.
That Sugar Film
Sugar is bad for us, so far nothing new. But how bad is sugar exactly? Damon Gameau investigates this by consuming 40 teaspoons of sugar daily for 60 days, just as much as the average teenager. Not through candy and other obvious bad things, but by eating products that are supposedly good for you, such as smoothies, yogurt, and light products.
Cats in Riga
For cat lovers (me), a must. This film shows us Riga from the perspective of, yes, the cat. While the unrest in Riga continues, we see many cats calmly walking through the city, jumping on tables, and avoiding the danger of the shower. It seems to be a delightful film with many cats, but also one that shows that perspective is always subjective.
Rio 50°
Yesss 100 minutes of Rio on your screen! I am definitely going to see this in the spirit of anticipation, and anyone else going to Rio or who has been will naturally watch along. This film shows the diversity of the city, from very rich to very poor and everything in between through portraits of the residents.
