Italy

Scottish lads decide to liberate a barrel of single malt in Ken Loach’s caper comedy direct from Cannes. “This is British comedy at its warmest and most pleasurable; cask strength, unfiltered and neat.” — The Telegraph

An international showcase of impressive recent animation in a wide array of techniques, digital and analogue, with an emphasis on the abstract and the expressive – and a few gag-based pieces too.

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is illuminated by a cast of Italian prisoners who bring a load of experience to its tale of loyalty, conspiracy and murder. Directed by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani. Golden Bear, Best Film, Berlin Film Festival 2012.

A mordantly funny Italian woman’s coming-of-age movie also serves as a barbed account of the church’s devotion to worldly dominion. “Feels densely observed, transparently personal and autobiographical… An accomplished debut.” — The Guardian

This headlong satire of television in Berlusconi-land won Matteo Garrone (Gomorrah) the Cannes Grand Prix. “The rare movie that has some of that old, classic Fellini insanity in its overheated blood.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Quirky, hilarious and moving… a road trip of stunning scope yet deep intimacy, featuring an aged rock star-turned-Nazi-hunter played by Sean Penn at his transformative best.” — Variety. Also starring David Byrne.

A spirited, entertaining tale of women in a Lebanese village distracting their men from ‘religious war’, directed by and starring Nadine Labaki (Caramel). People’s Choice Award, Toronto International Film Festival 2011.