Recent Developments in Film and Music

The new German-Ukrainian film "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming," directed by Isabelle Stever and co-written with Ukrainian screenwriter Anna Melikova, presents a poignant intersectional drama amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The film focuses on the struggles of a queer couple from Kyiv, Olya and Oleh, as they navigate local prejudices and legal challenges while trying to flee the conflict. Set against the backdrop of the Russian invasion, the story reflects on themes of identity and discrimination, particularly concerning Oleh's transition during a time when military service is mandated for men. The film premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, where its accessibility and contemporary relevance have attracted interest from distributors. (Variety) In the realm of experimental film, Beatrice Gibson's "At Night" features a unique narrative that intertwines the perspectives of six women in Paris, exploring themes of companionship and introspection. This marks Gibson's debut as a feature-length director, with the film premiering in a competition segment at the Locarno Film Festival. The soundtrack, created by Elvin Brandhi, replaces initial speculation of including music by Brian Eno, showcasing Brandhi’s talent within the context of the film's ambient and immersive sound. Brandhi discussed her process of composing for film, adjusting her typically direct approach to create a subtle background atmosphere. (Hollywood Reporter) Meanwhile, Edgar Pêra's new film "Asphalt Guerrilla" blends reality and fiction while reflecting on the historical context of a former radical group in Portugal. Set during a tumultuous period in the 1980s, the movie investigates the lives of members of the FP-25 organization and the societal conditions surrounding them. This narrative is complemented by a meta-commentary on the filmmaking process itself, emphasizing a guerrilla-style production approach that resists commercial constraints. The film has been described as both a tragic and comical…