EXCLUSIVE: Final night of the 2008 Toronto Film Festival ~ an overview from a attendee

Here is an overview, in Falsetti’s own words, of the four films she saw…

Firaaq (India, 2008) Directed by Nandita Das

Giulia’s description: “It was the story of India in the 1940s, during the time of intense conflict between the Muslims and the Hindus. It revolved around five different families, with one intermarried couple who were Muslim and Hindu, another with a young boy, another who witnessed certain atrocities but didn’t report them. It weaved through all the stories, with different outcomes.”

Giulia’s reaction: “One of reasons I wanted to see was because it was the directorial debut of Nandita Das – who is a very socially active Indian actress.”

Laila’s Birthday (Palestinian title: Eid milad Laila, 2008) Directed by Rashid Masharawi

Giulia’s description: “A story of a Palestinian taxi driver, during the course of one day, on his daughter’s birthday. All he had to do was go to work and pick up a present for his daughter. But all these things happen that are very stressful, but he handles it with grace.”

Giulia’s reaction: “It was a pleasure to watch because there were many comic scenes, even though it was a very heavy movie. In the end, it really just said you have to keep your chin up, that’s life and it really isn’t so bad out there.”

Adela (Philippines, 2008) Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

Giulia’s description: “This is a Filipino movie. Anita Linda, a legendary actress in the Philippines, plays an 80 year old woman on her birthday, living in the Manila slums, waiting for her children to visit. They never show up, but during the day other events happen.”

Giulia’s reaction: “It was the range of emotions from the main actress that really drove the film. All happy in the morning and changing throughout the day. It was a really well done film.”

I’ve Loved You So Long (French title: ll y a longtemps je t´aime, 2008) Directed by Philippe Claudel

Giulia’s description: “Kristin Scott Thomas plays a women who was in jail, but you don’t know why until later in the film. Then you find out the crime and the reasons start to unfold. She is starting a new life, trying to gain acceptance. It was a fascinating journey.”

Giulia’s reaction: “This was my favorite. If there is an Oscar equivalence in France, Kristin Scott Thomas deserves it. Her accent and acting was brilliant. She was phenomenal.”