In the Spirit of Freedom Awards in Memory of Wim van Leer
The films in this category are nominated for:
Cummings Award for Best Feature Film
Ostrovsky Award for Best Documentary Film
An award-winning documentary that follows a group of Syrian men who risk their lives to expose the atrocities inflicted by ISIS in the city Raqqa. Against the constant threat of death, they promise to fight till the bitter end.
Félicité, this year’s Berlin Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner, is the inspirational story of an independent woman determined to save her son. On her journey through Kinshasa, Félicité encounters magical worlds, and crosses social boundaries.
A heart-warming documentary about a group of young Gaza residents determined to realize their aspirations through surfing. Despite economic distress, Hamas rule, and the conflict with Israel, they manage to find a bit of freedom on the waves.
A rookie civil servant stationed in the jungle during elections in India, faces both guerrilla forces and the locals’ apathy toward the democratic process in a dramatic comedy, winner of the CICAE award at the 2017 Berlinale.
Discovering their factory’s equipment has been smuggled out by management, workers fear the worst and fight for their future. A captivating socially aware work, winner of The International Federation of Critics award.
In contemporary Finland, a chance meeting between a salesman and a Syrian refugee provides them with abundant hope. Renowned Finnish director, Aki Kaurismäki’s new film won the Silver Bear prize for directing at Berlin this year.
Lianqing escapes Myanmar to seek employment in Bangkok. As an illegal immigrant, she discovers that while her reliance on others may be necessary, it is no less dangerous. A powerful and subtle assemblage of unforgettable scenes.
A highly acclaimed film that straddles the US and Africa to present a complex portrait of the world of hunting. Interwoven with impressive cinematography, a challenging debate evolves: could hunting guarantee the survival of endangered species?
A fascinating, disturbing documentary about Ashin Wirathu, an influential Buddhist monk who’s been leading a violent racist struggle against Myanmar’s Muslim minority for decades. Screened at Cannes 2017.
An intriguing documentary portrait of Winnie Mandela who throughout her husband’s imprisonment, led the anti-apartheid movement. The film examines her portrayal as a controversial figure, while Nelson was crowned a national hero.
