Page 52 - DIFF PROGRAMME 2024

STUDENT FILMS
SEA SALT
1
Leila Basma, Czech Republic, 2023, 18 min, Arabic with English subtitles
22 JULY 17:00 SUNCOAST 7 25 JULY 17:30 GATEWAY 8
On a sweltering summer day on the southern seaside of Lebanon, 17-year-old Nayla is faced with the same dilemma every Lebanese youngster is faced with today – to leave or to stay. Two men in her life have set ideas about it, but both might wake up to a surprise. Each alternative presented to her has its own challenges and promises of happiness. Should she join the growing number of emigrants who leave Beirut or can she find fulfilment in her country of birth. As summer draws to a close, Nayla, is experiencing her first taste of independence and has life-changing decisions to make.
Shortly after her daughter Sofia, dies, her mother, a farmer, makes a curious discovery in the fields. Digging in the dirt she finds a human like yet unworldly creature which soon commands all her attention and fills the hole left by her daughter. Initially her husband is reluctant to accept the foundling and the burden of care but nurturing and raising the creature gives the mother a new sense of purpose. Her decision results in increasing harm to herself and to their community. Will they be able to continue to nourish the child regardless of the immense cost?
Adam (27) accidentally drops his wife’s G-string onto neighbor Bassem’s (45) balcony. Bassem ignores Adam’s attempt to explain and shuts the door. Adam tries to retrieve the G-string but fails. Assuming Bassem took it, Adam retaliates by throwing clothes, breaking a flowerpot. Bassem demands Adam clean up. Adam sneaks into Bassem’s room, suspected of theft. Bassem catches Adam, and they both engage in a fight that leads to bloody consequences.
THE HEART BENEATH THE EARTH 3
James Lucas, Mexico, 2024, 23 min, Spanish with English subtitles
24 JULY 17:00 SUNCOAST 8 28 JULY 14:00 SUNCOAST 7
V’S SECRET
3
Bassma Farah, Egypt, 2023, 13 min, Arabic with English subtitles
24 JULY 17:00 SUNCOAST 8 28 JULY 14:00 SUNCOAST 7
50 45TH DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL