Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi has once again captivated audiences with his latest feature film, Evil Does Not Exist, which emerged as the victor in the main official competition of the prestigious 67th London Film Festival. The enigmatic masterpiece serves as a follow-up to Hamaguchi’s Oscar-winning Drive My Car and delves into the lives of young father Takumi and his daughter, Hana, who reside in Mizubiki Village near Tokyo.
In the traditional vein of their ancestors, Takumi and Hana embrace a modest lifestyle that harmonizes with the cycles and order of nature. However, their idyllic existence faces an imminent threat with the introduction of a glamping site near their home. This misguided endeavor appeals to the urban dwellers’ desire for a nature-filled escape, but it endangers the delicate ecological balance of the area and compromises the local community’s way of life.
The festival jury, presided over by renowned Mexican filmmaker Amat Escalante, alongside Kate Taylor, program director of the 2023 Edinburgh International Film Festival, and English novelist Niven Govinden, collectively lauded Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist as a “subtle” and “cinematic” tour de force. The jury highlighted the film’s fully realized performances, applauding Hamaguchi’s ability to transcend the sum of its parts and deliver an eloquent drama that explores the intricate dynamics of family and community. Moreover, the film prompts viewers to contemplate the ethical implications of land development.
The jury’s statement resonated unequivocally, proclaiming their unanimous admiration for Evil Does Not Exist. The film stood tall amidst a formidable competition, leaving an indelible impression on all who beheld its wonder.
In the realm of documentary filmmaking, Lina Soualem’s Bye Bye Tiberias emerged victorious, clinching the grierson award of the documentary competition. Soualem crafts a poignant portrayal of three generations of women within her family, musing on their collective journey through life. The film’s narrative unfolds years after her departure from her Palestinian village in pursuit of an acting career in France, as Hiam Abbass (known for her role in Succession) returns home with her daughter, Lina Soualem.
Bye Bye Tiberias struck a chord with the doc jury, comprised of Rubika Shah, Jeanie Finlay, and Paul Tonta. They commended Soualem for weaving an elegant exploration of grief, identity, and the energy that propels one to self-discovery. The film reaches beyond the confines of their family home, embracing universal themes and prompting viewers to reflect on their own life experiences.
Expressing her gratitude, Soualem extended her heartfelt thanks to the BFI London Film Festival and the UK audiences for embracing her film with warmth and generosity. She emphasized the importance of such films in preserving our collective memories and providing solace in uncertain times.
Additionally, the London Film Festival celebrated emerging talents in the first feature and short film competitions. Mika Gustafson secured the Sutherland Award in the first feature competition with his enthralling film Paradise Is Burning. Meanwhile, Simisolaoluwa Akande claimed the short film award with The Archive: Queer Nigerians, a thought-provoking exploration of queer identity in Nigeria.
The curtain falls on the 67th London Film Festival with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Kitchen, a film co-directed by Oscar winner Kibwe Tavares and renowned actor Daniel Kaluuya, marking his directorial debut. The festival’s conclusion showcases the dynamic evolution of cinema, highlighting the constant flow of creative energy and the birth of new visionary voices.
The triumph of Evil Does Not Exist and the other remarkable films showcased at the festival remind us of the power of storytelling. They transport us to distant worlds and cultures, challenging our perceptions and sparking conversations that ripple through society. As we bid farewell to another extraordinary rendition of the London Film Festival, we eagerly anticipate the next wave of cinematic brilliance that awaits us.