16 Days 16 Films 2020: our pick
16 Days 16 Films is a UK based film festival: 16 Films by female filmmakers released, one for each day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In this article Céline, from our team at wxif, is presenting some of her favourites from the 2020 selection.
DAY 1 — ABSENT 🎬
Dir. @libbyburkewilde — Prod. Harvey Ascott
Writer @lucy_mac
Absent is a short film following the story of a young girl, Chloe, who, sitting on a school bus, is made aware of a stain on her clothing by another boy which, much to the amusement of his friends, leaves her visibly mortified.
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Céline’s take: A beautifully crafted 5mn short film with a very strong message. Period poverty is a real issue for a lot of women — and with the recent news of Scotland being the first country in the world to make period products free, this film could not be more relevant than now.
DAY 2 — THE ROAD IS A RED THREAD 🎬
Dir. Melissa Elizondo Moreno @melixalli — Prod. Érika Mercado Sánchez @missmezcalitos
An emotional choir of women from the State of Mexico defend themselves from femicidal barbarism revealing their resistance processes to survive.
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Céline’s take: This moving short film highlights the sad truth around the ongoing femicide crisis in Mexico — and brings to light the shadows who follow these womxn around as they try to move forward in an unsafe and unfair society.
DAY 4 — HALWA 🎬
Dir. @gayatrieveritt @niravbhakta_555
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On the eve of her wedding anniversary, empty-nester Sujata Chopra attempts to find some joy in her broken marriage, until she learns about the passing of her childhood companion’s spouse on Facebook. Having been disconnected from this woman for over 30 years over a misunderstanding, Sujata finds the courage to reach out to send her condolences. They reconnect, sparking friction when Sujata’s controlling husband, Dr. Chopra, finds out.
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Céline’s take: One of my favourite films of this year’s selection. Halwa is so touching and even though dealing with the dark theme of domestic violence, manages to give it a twist with a soft and, one could say, happy ending.
DAY 6 — THREAD 🎬
Dir. @yurssj_
An experimental animated documentary about the abduction of a Korean woman in 1930’s Korea by Japanese soldiers and forced to become a “comfort woman.” As an elderly woman, she shares her trauma with the world.
Céline’s take: The power of ‘Thread’ relies on its historical context and the beautiful interpretation and story created by its makers through soft illustration and colours. A favourite!
DAY 7 — TIME & DAYS 🎬
Dir. @alessiabuiatti
@iltempoeigiorni
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“One day you and I will go away together.” “Where do you want us to go?”
Daniele and Caterina have a friendship beyond definition, living between sky and sea, at the precious age of eleven. Daniele knows that Caterina’s heart is overwhelmed by a dark secret, so he does everything he can to bring her light back and preserve the sweetness of childhood. But the adults loom. Life, as they have always known it, is about to change.
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Céline’s take:
While dealing with domestic violence in a very subtle and clever way, ‘Time & Days’ is a heartfelt film that brings out some tender childhood moments, reminding me of the first memories of belonging, and finding a partner-in-crime.
DAY 8 — BALLET AFTER DARK 🎬
Dir. @directherbmonet
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Ballet After Dark tells the story a young woman who found the strength to survive after an attack. She created an organization that is helping sexual abuse and domestic violent survivors find healing after trauma through dance therapy.
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Céline’s take: Showing the amazing power of dance as a mean of expression, and healing — what really touched me in this short documentary was the strength of these women coming through the screen. ‘Ballet After Dark’ is a noble mission born out of necessity, it is a safe space and it deserves to be celebrated and talked about!
DAY 9 — EXPENSIVE SHIT 🎬
@onashileadura @barrycrera
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In a Glasgow nightclub, Tolu, a Nigerian toilet attendant, desperate for survival manipulates the behaviour of unsuspecting women for the titillation of men watching behind the mirrors. But tonight a line has been crossed. As the night spins out of control, Tolu, unable to live with what she has done, finds the strength to change everything.
Céline’s take: Amazing production value and an original intriguing story are what make ‘Expensive Shit’ a very strong watch.
DAY 10 — RESHMA 🎬
Dir. @Livia_alcalde
Prod. @chiara.nardon3 featuring @beingreshma
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The true, inspiring story of an Indian teenage girl who survived a brutal acid attack and rose to became a human rights activist and model.
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Céline’s take: One of the most touching stories in this selection, ‘Reshma’ captured the journey of self-acceptance and love of an acid attack survivor, raising awareness around a topic that is just not talked about enough.
DAY 12 — HEART EYES AND A WORLD 🎬
Dir. @rosesmorris⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Heart eyes and a world brings the viewer into the bedrooms of four 15 year old girls with a behind the scenes view of the selfie. Through powerful observational scenes and intimate conversations, the film raises questions about the normalisation of self objectification.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Céline’s take: An incredibly strong and beautifully shot documentary about teenager angst in the 21st century, ’Heart Eyes and a world’ left me thinking for a while at the consequences of social media and the images we consume all day long. A must watch.⠀⠀
DAY 13 — ALEJANDRA I LOVE YOU 🎬
Dir. @mis_nervios
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#16Days with @16days16films
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With only 17 years Alejandra finds out she’s pregnant. Before her conservative environment finds out she drives away with her bestfriend, Laura by her side to look for a safe place to get an abortion.
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Céline’s take: Following the journey of these two young women, ‘Alejandra I love you’ is a tender film that highlights the importance of the freedom of choice, friendship and support.
DAY 15 — HER SONG 🎬
Dir. @sleabha @jack.kirwan
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#16Days with @16days16films
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Eve learns of her Grandmother’s harrowing history in a Mother & Baby home. Woven through her past is the mythological and misunderstood figure of the Banshee, whose comforting presence inspires the strength she needs to tell her story.
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Céline’s take: Incredibly powerful story and hypnotising visuals, I can’t emphasis how beautiful the animation is — Her Song is by far one of my favourites of the season.
This article was written as part of our collaboration with 16days16films.com • our full issue on the 2020 edition of the festival is available as an eBook here.
