Director Saodad Ismailova (photo) – one of the rare cases of artists who in the same year – this year – presented their work at the Venice Biennale and “Document” in Kassel. Her poetic films tell about the people of her native Uzbekistan through long visual frames in a contemplative style, while the audience watches traditional tales brought to life on screen, combined with religious rituals.

(…) big the award at the International Short Film Festival in Ljubljana went to the film “Microbiome” directed by Stavros Petropoulos (photo), an observer documentary that, through static, repetitive and wide-angle shots, “captures” the inhabitants in their daily microcosm, in the kitchen, in the yard, in the workplace, as well as in their “brothels”. The purpose of the documentary was to capture the harmony of the inhabitants with their spaces and natural landscape.

(…) Leon Vitali (pictured), the “Barry Lyndon” actor who became one of Stanley Kubrick’s closest associates, died a few days ago at the age of 74. Although often referred to as Kubrick’s assistant, Vitali’s contribution to the making of his films was far more significant, as he essentially did everything from casting and directing actors to overseeing locations.