As the awards season approaches, audiences will soon have the opportunity to view "From Ground Zero," a poignant documentary that has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature at the Oscars. The film is set to debut at around 70 AMC locations across top 20 markets in the United States, as well as at select arthouse theatres, including notable venues such as the Quad in New York and Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles.
Produced by Watermelon Pictures and curated by Gaza native Rashid Masharawi, "From Ground Zero" comprises a collection of 22 video diaries filmed by Palestinian filmmakers. The documentary seeks to depict daily life in Gaza, exploring the efforts of families to remain safe, fed, and sheltered amidst ongoing Israeli bombardments. While intentionally steering clear of overt political narratives, the film reveals the stark realities of life under duress while simultaneously capturing moments of hope and normalcy amid chaos. Masharawi, currently residing in France, previously established a fund to support the production of this engaging documentary.
Despite the recent unveiling of Oscar shortlists, launching the film presents intrinsic risks, as the company was unsure of its inclusion status. Oscar voting commences next week, and the film has garnered a favourable critical reception, achieving a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 reviews. The choice of initially launching in areas with significant Palestinian populations, such as Chicago and Detroit, speaks to the film's relatable subject matter.
In addition to "From Ground Zero," cinema-goers will see the release of "The Damned," a horror-thriller marking the feature directorial debut of Thordur Palsson. "The Damned" opens on 732 screens and features Odessa Young in the role of Eve, a widow in a remote Icelandic fishing village faced with an agonising decision following a shipwreck. The film explores themes of survival under dire circumstances as the community wrestles with guilt and dread. With an ensemble cast that includes Joe Cole and Rory McCann, "The Damned" is also set to premiere at Tribeca 2024. It has been well-received, holding an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 31 reviews.
Both films are joining a competitive market filled with independent entries vying for attention during this auspicious time for the film industry. Aside from the prospects of Oscar glory, they will coexist with a myriad of smaller films still in theatres, including recent indie releases such as "A Complete Unknown," "Los Frikis," and "The Brutalist."
Amidst the bustling cinematic landscape, New York City’s Film Forum is launching a retrospective titled “From Metropolis to Ex Machina … or How the Movies Have Been Warning Us for Nearly 100 Years.” This retrospective, curated by Repertory Artistic Director Bruce Goldstein, focuses on films exploring the concept of artificial intelligence, featuring a selection of 30 movies spanning nearly a century. The event, which begins today and runs until January 23, is inspired by the increasing prevalence of AI in contemporary advertisements.
Goldstein noted that he has observed a surge in AI-related marketing, stating, "These commercials are everywhere. You can’t avoid them." He acknowledged the ongoing apprehension surrounding AI, remarking on the propaganda associated with it and its implications for society. This retrospective features iconic films beginning with Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," which introduced the world to the concept of a humanoid robot. Other notable entries include "The Day The Earth Stood Still," "Forbidden Planet," and films that have depicted less benevolent portrayals of AI, such as "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Blade Runner."
The selected films not only chart the evolution of AI in cinema but also reflect broader cultural perceptions about the relationship between humanity and technology. As viewers engage with these themes through the lens of both contemporary works and classic cinema, the retrospective promises a comprehensive exploration of how filmmakers have interpreted and cautioned against the consequences of artificial intelligence for nearly a century.
Source: Noah Wire Services