Category: ARFF Amsterdam 2024 – Best Documentary

Original Film Title: BODY&SOUND – image meets music

Director’s Name: Alberto Nacci

Writer’s Name: Alberto Nacci

Producer: Alberto Nacci

Country of Origin: Italy

Country of Filming: Italy

Language: Italian

Runtime: 47 minutes 50 seconds

Film Description:

A documentary on the relationships between musicians and their musical instruments.
The director introduces six musical short films from the Body&Sound Series, taking the audience behind the scenes of the production of a film in which every detail is significant:
the light, the dynamics, the sound (which constitutes the guiding element of all Alberto Nacci’s works) and great care for the quality of the shots in which each scene is studied with absolute attention to the best lighting modes for musicians and musical instruments. Every frame is a work of art!!

Original Film Title: Freeman

Director’s Name: John William Sutherlin

Writer’s Name: John William Sutherlin

Producer: John William Sutherlin

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 48 minutes 24 seconds

Film Description:

Charles Freeman Stamper, aka Stephanny, was more than a Drag Queen, more than a rags to riches story, and certainly more than expectations others had of him. Freeman was a secretary, a decorated Veteran, an advisor to beauty pageants, an advocate for Gay rights, and an amazing square dancer! He defied the Supreme Court and made an impact on countless lives through his generosity and courage. This film captures a life worth living and worth discovering. His was an authentic life. And in the end…he gave it all away to help others. As Freeman said, “I’d give you the dress off my back!”

Original Film Title: JUMPMAN

Director’s Name: Tom Dey

Writer’s Name: Tom Dey

Producer: Tom Dey

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 19 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

Original Film Title: Let Wisdom of Ancient Civilizations Shine Through the Future

Director’s Name: Kerong Zhang

Writer’s Name: Kerong Zhang

Producer: Kerong Zhang

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes

Film Description:

The documentary explores the intricate relationship between people and nature, delving into diverse aspects of traditional Chinese life, from agriculture and animal husbandry to the arts of song and dance. It spans the realms of fishing, hunting, and the nurturing of rivers and lakes, as well as the craftsmanship involved in creating wooden buildings and furniture. The film also covers the ancient practices of Chinese medicine, brewing, paper-making, porcelain crafting, and tea cultivation. Highlighting the enduring brilliance of ancient wisdom and creativity, it underscores their critical role in shaping the future, emphasizing that our dedication today secures generosity for tomorrow.

Original Film Title: Return to the Falls

Director’s Name: Eppo Eerkes

Writer’s Name: Eppo Eerkes

Producer: Jason Clemett, Robert Ward

Country of Origin: Canada

Country of Filming: Canada

Language: English

Runtime: 38 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

Return to the Falls is a Docu-
Drama following the harrowing true life story
of Elder Betty Ross who held the sacred
teachings of her father like a torch helping
her survive the residential school system.

Original Film Title: Spray & Tell: a Swiss perspective

Director’s Name: Sebastian Andrei

Writer’s Name: Sebastian Andrei

Producer: Otilia Andrei, Denisa Trif

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Country of Filming: Switzerland

Language: Dutch, English, French, German, Swiss German

Runtime: 1 hour 1 minute 28 seconds

Film Description:

“Spray & Tell: a Swiss Perspective” is a captivating documentary exploring street art in Switzerland’s urban landscapes. It uncovers the relationship between street art and fine arts, highlighting the challenges street artists face, the movement’s future, and the unique Swiss perspective.

The film begins by examining the divide between street and fine arts, questioning traditional boundaries. Through interviews with artists and experts, it explores street art’s legitimacy and cultural impact.

Next, it addresses the obstacles faced by Swiss street artists, such as legal issues, public perception, and the risk of their work being removed. The documentary highlights the resilience and dedication required to transform urban spaces into vibrant galleries.

The film also looks at the future of Swiss street art, discussing emerging techniques, technologies, and the influence of AI. It explores how social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are transforming street art’s reach and appreciation.

Additionally, the documentary compares the Swiss street art scene to those in other countries, providing insights into the unique cultural, legal, and social dynamics Swiss artists navigate.

“Spray & Tell: a Swiss Perspective” offers an immersive journey into street art, exploring its connection to fine arts, artist challenges, the impact of AI and social media, and the distinctive Swiss view. Through vivid visuals, intimate interviews, and an engaging narrative, it celebrates Switzerland’s vibrant street art culture.

Original Film Title: Saving Lives: Sisonke

Director’s Name: Ashleigh Hamilton

Writer’s Name: Ashleigh Hamilton

Producer: Ashleigh Hamilton

Country of Origin: South Africa

Country of Filming: South Africa

Language: English

Runtime: 1 hour 4 minutes 56 seconds

Film Description:

A South African feature documentary which tells the untold, inside story of how 500 000 healthcare workers lives were saved from the pandemic by the largest, fastest vaccine study rollout of its kind in the world. The study initiated, inspired, led and driven by a team of powerful African women scientists who folded decades worth of experience into one of the greatest medical interventions in the world to save the lives of medical staff at the frontlines.
The film narrates tension and emotion through key women role players and heroines who shaped and shifted time to make it all happen in a remarkable 17 days when it normally takes years. This is a specialist documentary chronicling a proud South African legacy and the women scientists who stood tall to make it happen.

Original Film Title: reEarth …Rights of Nature

Director’s Name: Dhama Pundarika

Writer’s Name: Dhama Pundarika

Producer: Didige Anusha

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: Australia, Ecuador, Germany

Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes 10 seconds

Film Description:

Bettina Behrend founded in 1988 the Save the Rainforest Association with Reinhard Behrend, which supports indigenous peoples worldwide in protecting rainforests. She is the first chairwoman of the association.
She is a visionary and artist. Her awareness of the deep connection comes from many years of Zen meditation. While studying at Sage University, she was able to further develop her sense of deep connection in art. She received her PhD in Creative Arts for creating new spaces by combining music – dance – painting.

She summarizes experiences of healing and self-empowerment in the book “Meeting the Wild Child”. It invites you to find your way back to the wonder of your inner child.

The film project is intended to directly help us connect with Mother Earth from the heart. Aerne Ness, PhD developed deep ecology as a professor at the University of Oslo. John Seed has applied this philosophy in seminars to create an awareness of earth connection among participants. The ecological crisis lies in the fact that we feel separated from Mother Earth. We need ecological identity! The documentary ‚Rights of Nature’ serves this goal.

Original Film Title: The Otherside

Director’s Name: Didige Anusha

Writer’s Name: Didige Anusha

Producer: Didige Anusha

Country of Origin: India

Country of Filming: India

Language: English

Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes 14 seconds

Film Description:

The Otherside takes you through south India’s kitchens of entrepreneurial women from the Food and Beverage Industry, showcasing their efforts, and how they push through several challenges, with many wins and losses along the way.

Original Film Title: Okinawa Americana

Director’s Name: Ko Hama

Writer’s Name: Ko Hama

Producer: Ko Hama

Country of Origin: Japan

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 21 minutes 19 seconds

Film Description:

Two highly accomplished musicians from different cultural backgrounds have spent years combining American blues and roots music with traditional Okinawan music to create a unique sound.