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I am a man of many and varied cinematic tastes.
If fact, the more the merrier as far as genres go, with the exception of horror which frankly involves far too much hiding under blankets and peering through fingers for my tastes.
There is real joy for me in seeing a blockbuster one night and an indie film the next, and that’s bound to be satisfied by the following selection which tick a few different genre boxes all while ticking what appear some truly engaging stories.
Let’s hope they all make it to Australia at one point or another …
(courtesy First Showing)
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The young orphan girl Momo (Alexa Goodall) lives in the ruins of an old Roman amphitheater and has an open ear for everyone in the neighborhood. But her favorite thing to do is spend her days with her best friend Gino (Araloyin Oshunremi). When a powerful international corporation starts stealing everyone’s time, suddenly no one has time for her anymore. Not even Gino! Momo is desperate. But then a mysterious turtle appears and leads her to Master Hora (Martin Freeman), the guardian of Time. Together they can take on the time thieves – but will their plan work? An exciting race begins. Momo and the Time Thieves, also known as just Momo, is written and directed by German writer / filmmaker Christian Ditter, director of the films French for Beginners, The Crocodiles & The Crocodiles Strike Back, Vicky and the Treasure of the Gods, Love Rosie, How to Be Single, The Present previously, plus the series Girlboss and Biohackers recently. Adapted from the novel by Michael Ende. Produced by Christian Becker. This initially premiered at the 2025 Zurich Film Festival and opened in Germany last fall. (courtesy First Showing)
Momo and the Thieves releases 14 August in UK; no Australian release dates specified atm
(courtesy First Showing)
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The French film follows Clémence (starring Vicky Krieps), who has carefully rebuilt her life after leaving her successful career as a lawyer to pursue writing. She maintains an amicable relationship with her ex-husband, Laurent (Antoine Reinartz), and together they share custody of their young son, Paul. However, everything changes when Clémence falls in love with Sarah (Monia Chokri) and embraces living openly as her authentic self. In response, Laurent files for sole custody of Paul, forcing Clémence into an emotionally draining legal battle where she must prove she is a fit mother simply because of who she loves. Love Me Tender is written and directed by French filmmaker Anna Cazenave Cambet, making her second feature after directing Gold for Dogs previously, and a few other shorts. Adapted from the book of the same name written by Constance Debré. Produced by Raphaëlle Delauche and Nicolas Sanfaute. This initially premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival last year playing in the Un Certain Regard section. (courtesy First Showing)
Love Me Tender opens in UK cinemas on 7 August.
(courtesy IMDb)
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It’s been 20 years since Andrew Dyer (starring Bill Nighy) has written a word — or left the house. In those two decades, he fathered a child outside his marriage, lost his long-suffering wife (Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton), and has been mostly estranged from his other sons. Following the death of an old friend, Andrew’s sense of his own mortality surges — exacerbated by his alcoholism — so he decides to bring together all his offspring for the first, and likely last time. Elder brothers Richard (Johnny Flynn) and Jamie (George MacKay) reluctantly return home despite old resentments, believing their father wants to soothe his conscience by making amends [with the whole family]. Instead, their father reveals a secret regarding their half brother Andy Jr. (Noah Jupe) that rewrites their family history in a surprising way.” (courtesy TIFF)& Sons is directed by Argentinian producer / filmmaker Pablo Trapero, director of the films Crane World, Rolling Family, Born & Bred, Leonera, Carancho, White Elephant, The Clan, and The Quietude previously, plus the series Echo 3 and ZeroZeroZero, and many shorts. The screenplay is written by Sarah Polley and Pablo Trapero. Adapted from the novel of the same name by David Gilbert. It’s produced by Phin Glynn, Axel Kuschevatzky, Cindy Teperman, Christina Piovesan, Emily Kulasa, Trudie Styler, Celine Rattray, Jackie Donohoe, Pablo Trapero. This initially premiered at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival last year. (courtesy First Showing)
& Sons premieres in UK cinemas on 21 August and in Australia on 27 August.