More from the London Film Festival

Report by Matthew Morlai Kamara

Ellis Park

As someone deeply moved by the connection between art and nature, Ellis Park resonated with me on a personal level. This documentary, directed by Justin Kurzel, follows Australian musician Warren Ellis, whose career I’ve long admired, as he takes us on an immersive journey not only through his eclectic music but also through a sanctuary for trafficked animals in Sumatra.

I felt an instant connection to Ellis’s passion for both these seemingly contrasting worlds—music and wildlife. Ellis Park elegantly balances the profound and the playful. While Ellis’s music serves as a soundtrack to his life, the documentary’s true heartbeat lies in his wildlife sanctuary, where conservationist Femke den Haas and her team work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals stolen from their natural habitat.

As Ellis guides us through this extraordinary place, we meet elephants, tigers, and other endangered creatures, each with their own story of survival. Kurzel masterfully weaves Ellis’s personal story into the broader context of conservation, creating an engaging parallel between the fragility of the natural world and the rawness of artistic expression.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of animal trafficking but does so with an eye toward hope and recovery. By the end, I found myself moved not only by Ellis’s music but also by his deep commitment to wildlife preservation.

Ellis Park is an uplifting and thought-provoking reminder that art and activism can walk hand in hand, inspiring us to care for our planet. For fans of music, nature, or both, this documentary is a must-see.

All Shall Be Well

Reviewing All Shall Be Well at this year’s London Film Festival was a truly memorable experience, especially because I had the honour of conducting my first face-to-face interview with the film’s director.  Stepping out of my comfort zone to ask insightful questions, we shared a joyful and educational conversation about his journey as a filmmaker and the message he hoped to deliver to the audience. This magical moment not only expanded my appreciation for the film, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of the personal touch behind his vision.

All Shall Be Well tells the story of Angie and Pat, two women, who have spent over four decades living together as a couple in Hong Kong. When Pat unexpectedly passes away, Angie is left to navigate a complex web of family dynamics, as she faces pressure from her extended family to relinquish the home she shared with Pat for over thirty years.  The film sensitively explores grief, loss, and the struggle to hold on to dignity and identity in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

The director’s nuanced storytelling allows for a delicate balance between heartbreaking moments and uplifting ones, showing Angie’s resilience in the face of emotional and familial challenges.  What fascinated me most was how the film subtly examines the intersection of personal loss and societal expectations, making Angie’s fight for her home and her memories all the more poignant.

All Shall Be Well captivated me from start to finish. The film’s quiet power lies in its emotional depth and the way it reflects on universal themes of love, loss, and legacy. It’s a beautiful, introspective piece that lingers long after the credits roll—a true standout at the festival.

Conclave

Reviewing Conclave at this year’s London Film Festival was a deeply personal experience for me as a Catholic. The film’s exploration of faith, power, and the sacred process of selecting a new Pope struck a chord, and I felt a profound connection to its themes and portrayal of the Church’s inner workings.  It was an honour to witness such a compelling narrative unfold on screen, one that delves into the mysteries of my own faith with both reverence and intrigue.

Conclave takes us behind the closed doors of one of the world’s oldest and most secretive traditions—the selection of the next Pope. After the sudden death of the beloved Pope, Cardinal Lawrence, played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes, is tasked with overseeing the process of gathering the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders to choose the new Pontiff.  However, as these leaders convene in the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence begins to uncover disturbing secrets left behind by the deceased Pope, secrets that could shake the very foundations of the Church.

The film masterfully combines suspense with the weight of religious tradition, making every scene feel charged with significance. Ralph Fiennes delivers a standout performance, embodying the complex emotions of a man torn between duty, faith, and the revelations he uncovers.  The supporting cast is equally strong, bringing depth to the political and spiritual struggles faced by the Cardinals. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to review such a remarkable film.

Conclave left me reflecting on the intricate balance between faith and power, and the tensions that arise when the sacred and the secret collide. It’s a film with fabulous acting, profound themes, and an engrossing story that kept me captivated throughout—truly a cinematic blessing.

NightBitch

Watching NightBitch took me back to my own childhood, witnessing my mother juggle the overwhelming chaos of caring for my younger siblings. The sound of crying babies and the constant demands of troublesome children aren’t for the faint of heart—I saw firsthand how much pressure she was under. I like to think I was the quiet, well-behaved child, though I’m sure my mom might have a different take on that! This connection made NightBitch hit particularly close to home.

The film follows a woman, played by Amy Adams, who steps away from her career to embrace life as a stay-at-home mom. However, the monotony and demands of motherhood quickly start to unravel her, and her life takes a surreal and unexpected turn.   What begins as a seemingly ordinary story about the trials of parenting soon morphs into something far more unusual and thought-provoking.

Initially, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the film. It felt chaotic, and I found certain scenes frustrating, as they seemed to mirror the overwhelming unpredictability of life as a parent. But as the film progressed, it began to grow on me. The surreal twists and emotional depth started to make sense, and I found myself more and more intrigued by the story’s exploration of identity, sacrifice, and the primal instincts of motherhood.

And by the end, surprisingly I loved it. Though it started off feeling scattered, the film’s unique blend of dark humour and raw emotion won me over. Amy Adams delivers a fantastic performance, and the film’s surreal elements keep you hooked as it explores the complexities of motherhood. It’s a wild ride but one that’s absolutely worth taking.