TheRotterdamFilm FestivalsIFFR Proindustry program kicks off Friday under the fresh direction of new headMarten Rabarts.
We live in a world thats on fire.
People need to feel theyre getting out of bed and turning their talents to something that matters.
Marten Rabarts, Cheryl Dunye, Eli Raskin, and Kamila AndaniGetty/Jan de Groen
Theyre two films by women directors in Africa, which is already unusual in itself.
Its the second feature by Ukrainian auteur Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk, whose first filmPamfirmade waves in Cannes Directors Fortnight.
It was manifesting in terms of stories that were being presented that dealt with dystopian near futures.
It wasnt just one, it was a handful of these.
You see a whole community anxious about what may be in their future, he says.
Cheryl DunyesBlack Is Blueas example of this.
Its a trans-android near future.
Theyre not writing an essay for us to understand the world is on fire.
Theyre not dark and gloomy.
You mentioned the Ukrainian film.
It reels you into a space of such intimacy and sensitivity, he says.
The Darkroom features three HBF grantees: Indian director Bikas Ranjan MishrasBayaanand the Georgian projectsTear GasandWild Dogs Dont Bite.
Hubert Bals fund and our CineMart selection this year were in lockstep together.
We had wonderful, wonderful projects that happened to have been supported by Hubert Bals Fund.
and it delighted us to able to program them, says Rabarts.
Its almost like an informal scout for us.
Its an alliance we want to build on.
Closer to home, IFFR Pro will also host its first Dutch Day this year to support local professionals.
IFFR Pro runs from January 31 to February 9.
