Release Years Archives: 2021

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A Girl Returned L’Arminuta

  Giuseppe Bonito

  Italy      2021    

Synopsis

Summer, 1975. A 13-year-old girl mysteriously appears at a farmstead and moves in with the family. Who is she? What is she doing there? Based on a 2017 bestseller, A Girl Returned tells the story of a girl who unwillingly returns to the biological family she never knew and must reckon with her new home and sense of abandonment. Rendered with stunning emotional clarity, the film is a thoughtful examination of childhood, motherhood, and the ties that bind.

 Italian with subtitles 
  110 minutes

Screenings & Events

Post-Screening Discussion

Post-screening discussion led by Professor Veronica Vegna, University of Chicago

Post-screening discussion presented by: Logo: Citi 161x100

Sponsors

Film Partner

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The Good Boss El buen patrón

  Fernando León de Aranoa

  Spain      2021    

Synopsis

In this scorching satire, seemingly benevolent boss Blanco’s (Javier Bardem) industrial scales factory is up for a prestigious award, with one week until the upcoming evaluation. Just as he is feeling assured they will measure up, a disgruntled ex-employee demands his job back and throws everything out of balance. Described by the director as the “reverse angle shot” of his 2002 Mondays in the Sun, this comedy slyly observes the precarious state of the modern workplace.

 Spanish with subtitles 
  120 minutes

Screenings & Events

Post-Screening Discussion

Post-screening discussion led by Pepe Vargas, director of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, and Marius Laurentiu Radoi, Instituto Cervantes.

Post-screening discussion presented by: Logo: Citi 161x100

Sponsors

Film Partners

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Toxikoma

  Gábor Herendi

  Hungary      2021    

Synopsis

Captivating performances abound in this gripping drama detailing Hungarian actor and star personality Győző Szabó’s epic clash with hard-nosed psychiatrist Dr. Imre Csemus on his journey to overcome addiction and reclaim his life. Just as Győző’s career is soaring, his personal life plummets precipitously – and only one thing, or one person, can save him. But in his dogmatic effort to save his narcissistic patient, will the doctor’s own ego take him down as well? Adapted from the actor’s memoir.

 Hungarian with subtitles 
  124 minutes

Screenings & Events

Media

Sponsors

Film Partners

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Peace By Chocolate

  Jonathan Keijser

  Canada      2021    

Synopsis

When their factory is bombed, a Syrian family flees Damascus and spends three years living as refugees. Eventually arriving in snow-covered rural Nova Scotia, the family must adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. With the help of some friendly locals (and to the chagrin of others), the family begins to rebuild their chocolate business and their lives. This heartwarming story of perseverance and human connection in the face of insurmountable odds is based on Tareq Hadhad’s real-life story.

 Arabic, English with subtitles 
  96 minutes

Screenings & Events

Post-Screening Discussion

In-person post-screening discussion with director Jonathan Keijser moderated by film critic Lee Shoquist.

Post-screening discussion presented by: Logo: Citi 161x100

Media

Sponsors

Film Partner

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Shelter Foscadh

  Seán Breathnach

  Ireland      2021    

Synopsis

Stricken with grief after his parents’ death, the reclusive, extremely shy 28-year-old John Cunliffe is attacked on the street. As he recovers in the hospital, both physically and mentally, he begins to fall for his nurse Siobhán. Upon his release from the ward, he begins to abandon his hermit-like ways and open his heart to the world. Featuring stunning, mist-covered landscapes and a magnetic lead performance, this adaptation of Donal Ryan’s The Thing about December is an emotional character study of one man’s journey to embrace life.

 Irish with subtitles 
  93 minutes

Screenings & Events

Media

Sponsors

Film Partner

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