Top 10 films at the Sakhalin International Film Festival

1. “Mustang”, Deniz Gamze Ergüven

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

Five independent-minded sisters in modern Turkey lead a fearless struggle for freedom and human dignity. (97 min, 2015)

2. “Salvation”, Ivan Vyrypaev

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A Catholic nun Anna travels from Poland to Tibet with a church mission, only to re-discover herself in a least expected way. (94 min, 2015)

3. “Why Does a Banana Talk Back”, Svetlana Razgulyaeva

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A walking Banana advertisement man dreams of a completely different life. Does he have what it takes to turn his own world upside down? (Animation, 10 min, 2015)

4. “Nezha's Triumph Against Dragon King”, Yan Ding Xiang,  Wang Shuchen, Xu Jingda

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A gripping yet comprehensive animation of Chinese mythology, featuring the warrior deity Nezha as he attempts to conquer the Dragon Kind of the Eastern Sea. (Animation, 65 min, 1979)

5. “The President”, Mohsen Makhmalbaf

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A former tyrant in exile is forced to lead a street musician's life, along with his 5-year old grandson. A new experience turns out quite enriching for both. (119 min, 2014)

6. “From What Is Before”, Lav Diaz

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A unique visionary insight into the atrocities as well as daily life in the Philippines in the 70s. (338 min, 2014)

7. “The Yes Men Are Revolting”, Laura Nix, Mike Bonanno, Andy Bichlbaum

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

World-known provocative duo of Mike and Andy “The Yes Men” stages a new unprecedented prank targeting global warming. (91 min, 2014)

8. “14+”, Andrey Zaytsev

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

14 year old Alex has a crush on pretty Vika, but she is from an  “enemy” school and her circle is headed by a gang of bullies. Compelling coming-of-age story with a beautiful first time actors cast set in one of Moscow's bedroom communities. (106 min, 2015)

9. “Force Majeure”, Ruben Östlund

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A Swedish family's vacation in the French Alps might go completely awry once a natural disaster takes place. Is the family's love for each other strong enough to overcome the threats? (120 min, 2014)

10. “Seagulls”, Ella Manzheeva

Source: Sakhalin International Film Festival

A powerful debut of Kalmykian director Ella Manzheeva tells the story of love, connection and separation. The lead is played by model Eugenia Mandzhieva, known for her work with Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.  (87 min, 2015)

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