Directed by: Pepe Diokno
Philippines, Singapore, 2015, 85 min

In a film essay dedicated to his hometown of Manila, the writer-director contemplates the breakdown of Philippine society. Erasing the border between fiction and documentary, this ambitious film submits a fascinating and harrowing portrait of a social order determined by tribal groupings.

Directed by: Joshua Marston
USA, 2016, 90 min

It’s Tom’s birthday and the guests invited to celebrate at his cozy New York apartment include colleague Clyde, accompanied by a new acquaintance named Alice. The attractive woman immediately dazzles the group with her wit and brilliance, although Tom looks on quietly, trying to remember something. This intriguing drama pursues the topic of individual identity and its transformations while stars Rachel Weisz and Michael Shannon acquit themselves with true aplomb.

Directed by: Darren Thornton
Ireland, 2016, 82 min

The start of adulthood might also mean the end of childhood friendships. Impulsive Mary is looking for a date for her best friend’s wedding. But she can’t get her head round it: Maybe she’s not looking for a boy at all, and maybe it was much more than just a friendship. Seána Kerslake is stunning in the title role of this engaging yet unrepentant story set in the Irish suburbs.

Directed by: Otto Bell
USA, 2016, 87 min

Thirteen-year-old Aisholpan has just one wish – to become an eagle huntress, thereby continuing the family tradition. In order to fulfill her dream she must overcome one remaining fundamental obstacle: falconry is usually the purview of men. Tinged with a touch of fairy tale, this Sundance audience favorite is set in the breathtaking mountains of Mongolia and is all the more unbelievable for being a true story.

Directed by: Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan
USA, 2016, 95 min

“We decided to put together a film made up exclusively of motifs we hate,” say the Daniels, renowned music videomakers, about their feature debut, the most controversial film at this year’s Sundance fest. Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe adopt a highly unusual approach to demonstrate that one should share life’s joys and sorrows with a friend, even if his body shows no signs of life. Almost.