The 60th Cork Film Festival, which kicks off on on Friday has teamed up with the LUX Film Prize, to show the three films that have been selected as finalists; Mediterranea, Toto and His Sisters and The Lesson/UROK.
Since 2007, the European Parliament LUX Film Prize casts an annual spotlight on films that go to the heart of European public debate. The Parliament believes that cinema, a mass cultural medium, can be an ideal vehicle for debate and reflection on Europe and its future.
The films selected for the LUX Film Prize competition help to air different views on some of the main social and political issues of the day and, as such, contribute to building a stronger European identity. They help celebrate the universal reach of European values, illustrate the diversity of European traditions and shed light on the process of European integration.
Mediterranea (November 11th at 6pm) tells the tale of Ayiva who travels from his native Burkina Faso to Italy in search of a way to provide for his sister and daughter. He takes advantage of his position in an illegal smuggling operation to get himself and his best friend off the continent. It is massively topical given the current refugee crisis. There will also be a Q & A with cast and crew live from the film’s Brussels presentation.
Toto and His Sisters (November 10th at 4pm) is the compelling story of three siblings whose mother is imprisoned. During this time Toto passionately learns dancing, reading and writing all the while his sisters try to cope and keep the family together. The film explores topics like poverty, drugs and the importance of family.
Finally, The Lesson/UROK (November 10th at 6.15pm), is set in Bulgaria and centres around a young teacher searching for a robber in her class while at the same time she is falling into further debt with loan sharks.
All three of these screenings are free, but require tickets.