Haifa International Film Festival Highlights Awards Contenders

The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries, including Zig Dulay's 'Green Bones', have been extended in cinemas due to their cultural significance, despite critiques of its fragmented narrative and preachy tone regarding environmental issues. Meanwhile, the 40th Haifa International Film Festival features numerous anticipated films, including 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', a suspenseful drama about a judicial investigator's moral dilemmas amidst the Woman Life Freedom protests in Iran. British filmmaker Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths' is also highlighted for its emotional depth and relatable characters, while Pedro Almodóvar's latest melodrama continues to explore complex emotional themes. Additionally, a preview of arthouse films premiering in 2025 showcases works from diverse international directors, including Morad Mostafa and Julia Ducournau. The ReFrame Film Festival will return with a hybrid format focusing on social justice and environmental responsibility, emphasizing the importance of community connections and indigenous teachings.