Bending Fate: International Films with Tales of How Ordinary People Try to Control Their Destiny

When can you change a die that has been cast? Characters show courage, from intense to understated.

Six Lectures

1. “Mandariinid”/”Tangerines” (Estonia/Georgia, 2013, 87 min., NR) - Take a small village inhabited with real Estonian actors, put that village on the sidelines of the brutal War in Abkhazia, then present the tangerine farmers that live there with a true moral decision as two wounded “enemies” from opposite sides of the war appear in their midst. Won Golden Globe, Nominated for Oscar, altogether 12 wins, eight nominations.
2. “Hearat Shulayim”/”Footnote” (Israel, 2011, 107 min., PG) - The greatly praised story of two Talmud scholars, father and son, who, because they both have the same last name, are involved in the mix-up winning of a prestigious award. Funny, stressful and charming, but what’s really important must be decided. Won Best Film Israeli Film Academy plus nominated for an Oscar and a Palme d’Or, altogether 14 wins, nine nominations.
3. “Et Maintenant on va où?”/"Where Do We Go Now?" (Lebanon, 2011, 110 min., PG-13) - Because a tiny town in Lebanon has lost its normal ways of communication, both Christians and Muslims live in peace. Then, something happens that begins to threaten that idyllic setting and the women go into brilliant, very funny strategies to protect their men from any more war. Eight wins and four nominations.
4. “L’Avenir”/”Things to Come” (France/Germany, 2016, 102 min., PG-13) - Lovely, mature slice-of-life observational medley, starring Isabelle Huppert as a woman adjusting to a fork in her life that she did not expect or desire. Refreshingly understated, splendidly performed by an actress who conveys true complexity and depth. Total eight wins and 23 nominations.
5. “Dark Horse” (U.K., 2015, 85 min., PG) - The name of the horse, “Dream Alliance,” distills the essence, but cannot begin to capture the passion and heartfelt excitement of the true story of a Welsh barmaid who decides she will somehow, unbelievably, breed a championship racehorse. Three wins, two nominations.
6. “Le Meraviglie”/”The Wonders” (Italy/Switzerland/Germany, 2014, 110 min., NR) - A family of beekeepers in rural Tuscany enchant with a simple life that is rather extraordinary, suddenly made even more magical when the older daughter wants to enter a talent show. Pure folklore. Nominated for a Palme d’Or, won Grand Prize in Cannes, altogether 12 wins, 17 nominations.