At the beginning of 2024, I allow myself to dive into my cinematographic memories of last year, dotted with a myriad of emotions and discoveries. Among the 420 films and series that I had the privilege of viewing, some stand out exceptionally, eclipizing others by their artistic and narrative quality. Here, without any particular order, my personal selection of cinematographic jewels of the year 2023.
The area of interest (2023) – GB, directed by Jonathan Glazer.
This film, Recipient of the Grand Prix at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival And shortlisted for the Oscar 2024 for the best international film, plunges into the world of the commander of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig. The story, located in a house next to the camp, explores the attempt to build a normal life in an extraordinary context and tells the horror of the camps without ever showing them.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) – USA, directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan.
Bearing the laurels of 7 Oscars in 2023, This film carries Evelyn Wang through the multiverse, offering a poignant reflection on life choices, family relationships and fate. Faced with dark forces, Evelyn finds herself at the crossroads of the worlds, having to save the world while preserving the very essence of his life: his family.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) – Ireland, directed by Martin McDonagh.
Named for 9 Oscars in 2023, this Irish film explores the complexity of human relations on the isolated island of Inisherin. While the friendship between Padraic and Colm is crumbling, the repercussions are heartbreaking, highlighting social and emotional dynamics in an isolated context.
The removal/Rapito (2023) – Italy, produced by Marco Bellocchio.
In official competition in Cannes 2023, this film plunges into a dark page in Italian history of the 19th century. Based on real facts, he tells the heartbreaking story of the kidnapping by the Church, of Edgardo, a Jewish child, taken at the center of an intense political and religious struggle.
The daughters of Olfa (2023) – Tunisia, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania.
Harvesting 4 prices in Cannes and appearing on Oscar Shortlist 2024, in the Best International Film and Best Documentary categorythis Tunisian film oscillates between light and darkness. OLFA, mother of four daughters, finds herself faced with the sudden disappearance of her two elders. The film reveals a poignant exploration of individual aspirations, family tensions and societal dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of life.
Inshallah a son (2023) – Jordan, directed by Amjad al Rasheed.
Selected at Critique Week in Cannes 2023 and recipient of the distribution prize, this Jordanian film explores Nawal’s struggles after the death of her husband. Contemporary narration in a region of the world where the heritage of a son changes everything highlights family and social issues.
Time to love (2023) – France, directed by Katell Quillévéré.
Selected in Cannes in 2023, this French film plunges into France in 1947. The love story between Madeleine and François reveals the intrications of individual aspirations and historical circumstances.
Shab, Dakheli, Divar/Beyond the Wall (2022) – Iran, directed by Vahid Jalilvand.
Selected at the Venice Festival, this Iranian film explores the unexpected meeting between Ali, a blind man, and Leila, a woman on the run. The intrigue takes place in the intimacy of an apartment, revealing complex layers of human relations.
If only I could hibernate (2023) – Mongolia, directed by Zoljargal Purevdash.
Selected at a certain look at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, this Mongolian film features Ulzii, a teenager struggling with the need to take care of his family and his dream of studies. A touching exploration of the challenges of daily life in a difficult context.
Lands verses/chronicles of Tehran (2023) – Iran, produced by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami.
Selected at a certain look at Cannes 2023, this film offers nine snapshots of daily life in Tehran. Through these vignettes, directors capture the complexity and richness of ordinary lives in this vibrant metropolis.
Dead leaves (2023) – Finland, directed by Aki Kaurismaki.
Award for the Jury Prize for the Official Cannes 2023 competition And shortlisted for the 2024 Oscars for the best international film, this Finnish film transports us to a romantic quest. Two lonely souls seek love in the coldness of Helsinki, crossing obstacles to the search for happiness.
The Quiet girl (2022) – Ireland, directed by Colm Bairéad.
Appointed for the Oscar 2023 for the best international film, this Irish film of the years 1981 plunges into the history of Cáit, a young girl neglected by her family, seeking refuge in an apparently ordinary house.
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) – India, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Celebrating the ascent of Ganga, a sex worker, towards notoriety despite the tragic beginnings, this Indian film is a hymn to resilience. The contours of a life transformed by the ruthless circumstances of society are meticulously drawn.
Anatomy of a fall (2023) – France, produced by Justine Triet.
The Palme d’Or in Cannes in 2023 offers a deep immersion in the history of Sandra, accused of the suspicious death of her husband. A complex story that deconstructs the elements of an apparently ordinary couple.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) – India, directed by Advan Chandan.
Magnificent remake of Forrest Gump (1994), this Indian film offers a unique perspective on Laal’s life, touching the people it meets on its way. A human odyssey that reminds that everyone carries within him a unique story, even the most singular individuals.
Each of these films, from various corners of the world, transcends cultural barriers to offer a universal cinematographic experience. Poignant subjects, exceptional performances and impeccable achievement propelled them to the world scene. Nine of these films were selected in the largest film festival in the world, namely the Cannes Film Festival, some of them have even won awards. Six films were either shortlisted, or even named for Oscars, and sometimes in several categories and a film even won 7 Oscars in 2023.
This selection highlights the richness of diversity, both cultural and narrative, illustrating the ability of cinema to serve as a mirror reflecting the multiple facets of human experience. Each film, with its own imprint, contributes to shaping the world cinematographic palette, expanding our understanding and enriching our appreciation of cinematographic art.
By exploring these films, we discover not only interesting stories, but we also immerse ourselves in the lives of people all over the world. Universal themes are presented to touch people of different cultures, offering a depth that goes beyond geographic borders. Each scene, each conversation, gives us an overview of a different reality, a unique vision that helps us to better understand our world.
By celebrating this cinematographic diversity, we celebrate the richness of our lives through the magical prism of cinema. Each film becomes a brilliant light in the sky of world cinema, contributing to a shared experience that brings people together, despite their differences, to appreciate the beauty and complexity of life.
Neïla Driss
