August 14th 2026
Case 137
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
One excellent French police procedural/thriller, and the always amazing Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. With so many films, but most having only one screening, check https://www.iffm.com.au/in-cinemas.php Case 137
Dir: Dominik Moll
 |
© Limelight Distribution - keeping an eye
on police integrity - a fraught job |
Although the main character here is fictional, the plot is inspired by actual incidents of 2018, known as the Yellow Vest movement, when French protesters took to the streets against the rising cost of living and government policies favouring the elite. Many were injured and police were accused of heavy-handed tactics. Stephanie Bertrand (Lea Drucker) works for the internal affairs division which investigates the wrong-doings of other police officers. When a young protestor is severely injured by an out-of-uniform riot squad, Stephanie begins investigating what exactly happened and who was responsible. When she discovers the victim comes from her hometown, remote and impoverished, she becomes even more invested in the case. This film garnered a nomination for a Palme d'or and a well-deserved Best Actress for Drucker, who manages a balancing act between a seemingly tightly controlled woman, who underneath is full of emotion as a result of being despised by so many of her colleagues. The film starts slowly, then builds the tension, with care taken to show the in-depth procedural research done to unearth the truth. Piece by painstaking piece, the facts emerge like a jigsaw puzzle, and the tension of the film ramps up along with each revelation. The moral issues of policing versus the right to protest, along with the propensity of police to close ranks around their colleagues all come under scrutiny, and the entire story is so relevant to much of what we see in the entire world today. 4 - highly recommended
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Until 23rd August
Screening at many venues across Melbourne - check website for details
India is now the top country of birth for overseas-born residents in Australia. And what a rich culture this community brings with it, along with a long tradition of film-making. Some people imagine Indian film as being only Bollywood - stories full of colour and movement, singing and dancing, romance and adventure. This festival shows that the range of Indian cinema goes far beyond Bollywood (not to say that isn't fun!), and features stories that span languages, generations, different areas, and different communities from First Nations, to the LGBTQ community, to marginalised peoples. This year, 79 feature films will screen, along with more that 50 short films. And, allowing for various dialects, more than 30 different languages will be heard! I've previewed a couple, so far.
WARNING: Most of the films have only one screening so be sure to plan quickly what you want to see!
Moham
Screening 23rd August
Set in the lovely southern Indian state of Kerala, this film is in the local language Malayalam. It's a dramatic and touching story of a young woman, Amala, who has been emotionally scarred by a horrific experience, which is only revealed later in the film. She's becomes mentally unblalanced, and exists in a traumatised child-like state, cared for by her protective mother. She's obsessed with motor bikes, and longs to learn to ride one. When low-life, angry Shanu crosses paths with her, he decides to use her for his own purposes to escape punishment for a crime he is planning against a girl who has dumped him. This is a powerful and important story, highlighting the issue, so relevant also in Australia, of misogynistic men brutalising and exploiting women. Amruthar Krishnakumar gives an astonishing performance as Amala. The film is disturbing but excellent, and a worthy winner of awards at film festivals.
Petals in the Wind
Screening August 17th - Q&A with director included
Raj and Shobha are in their 30s and are relatively late to marry. The union is an arranged one, and they are now on their honeymoon in Goa. As the two virtual strangers are tentatively getting to know one another, Shobha confesses a secret that threatens to blow their fragile union apart. This film really reminded me of the "walk and talk" films of Richard Linklater (including Before Sunrise), in which long continuous takes follow the characters and the conversations that gradually reveal their inner selves. The film is gentle, slow and absorbing, showing us one side of Goa, and also hinting at the strictures of Indian customs that can affect relationships. This delicate film also gives a hint at what can make a good marriagee, involving especially self-reflection and honesty. A lovely watch for patient viewers.
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