18 Must-See Films at IFFI Goa, 2023

The 53rd edition of IFFI (International Film Festival of India) will open in Goa on 20th November 2023. The festival will be a showcase of more than 270 films from across the world. This year, the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (SRLTA), a notable accolade bestowed for Outstanding Contributions to World Cinema, will be awarded to Michael Douglas, a prominent Hollywood Actor and Producer who currently stands as a leading global figure in the world of cinema.

The 270 films will play at four venues, INOX Panjim (4), Maquinez Palace(1), INOX Porvorim(4), Z Square Samrat Ashok (2), and the fest, for the first time will also feature open-air screenings by the beach. The festival will open with the International Premier of Stuart Gatt’s ‘Catching Dust’ with Nuri Belge Ceylan’s ‘About Dry Grasses’ serving as the Mid-fest film and Robert Colony’s ‘The Featherweight’ being the Closing Film at the 2023 IFFI Goa.

This list aims to help festival watchers narrow down their choices from a wide selection of movies to the most exciting ones.

Here are 18 movies from IFFI 2023 Goa that excite me the most:

1. About Dry Grasses

Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan | Language: Turkish | Runtime: 208 Mins

Following his mandatory service in a small village, a young teacher aspires to secure a position in bustling Istanbul. As the passage of time brings dwindling hope, he finds himself resigned to a gloomy existence. It is only when his colleague Nuray steps in that he rediscovers a glimmer of optimism and gains a renewed perspective on his life.

In our review of the film, we said, “About Dry Grasses’ actual effect lies on the remnants of leaving these stories not have a concrete end; their lives still shattered, unfocused and full of despair, and no grand meta-moment in the cracks of cinema can fix that.”

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2. All to Play For

Director: Delphine Deloget | Language: French | Runtime: 112 Mins

Sylvie, a single mother, navigates life with her two children by her side. One fateful evening, tragedy strikes, leading to the removal of her youngest son from her care. Now faced with the daunting challenge of regaining custody, Sylvie must embark on a formidable journey to reunite her family while simultaneously striving to stay afloat amidst the tumultuous waves of adversity.

In our review of the film, we said “The film turns into a tense drama about a mother’s fight to get her son back and the French authorities’ strict social system that doesn’t allow her to.”

3. Anatomy of a Fall

Director: Justine Triet | Language: French, English, German | Runtime: 152 Mins

The narrative unfolds with the chilling discovery of Samuel’s lifeless body amidst the pristine snow, just outside the secluded chalet he shared with his wife, Sandra—a renowned German author—and their 11-year-old son, Daniel, who battles partial blindness. As investigators delve into the mystery, they are confronted with the enigma of a “suspicious death,” leaving the haunting question of whether Samuel’s demise was a tragic act of self-harm or the result of foul play. The shadows of uncertainty cast a dark pall over Sandra, who finds herself at the center of a judicial storm as she faces indictment. The ensuing trial becomes a crucible that not only tests the boundaries of truth but also unravels the intricate threads of the couple’s once-unbreakable bond. The courtroom drama becomes a stage where the intricate dance of love and betrayal unfolds, laying bare the complexities of human relationships.

In their review of the film, Observer said, “Ultimately, one of the key pleasures of the picture is its uncertainty – the niggling doubts that remain, and the sense that a crucial piece of the puzzle is tantalisingly out of reach.”

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4. Catching Dust

Director: Stuart Gatt | Language: English | Runtime: 96 Mins

In a bold and pivotal moment, Geena reaches the gut-wrenching decision to break free from the clutches of her criminal husband, Clyde, and escape the confines of their secluded Texas hideout. However, just as she summons the courage to embark on her newfound path to freedom, an unexpected couple from New York arrives on their doorstep. Undeterred by the potential dangers that harboring strangers might pose, Geena, fueled by a mix of desperation and audacity, persuades Clyde to extend an invitation for them to stay. Little does she know that this seemingly innocuous choice will set off a chain of events with far-reaching and perilous consequences.

In their review, Film Inquiry said that “Catching Dust does risk losing the audience in the drawn-out moments between emotional interactions. Yet, as an audience, you will find yourself shocked by how invested you are in by film’s end.”

5. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint

Director: Tomas Gomez Bustillo | Language: Spanish | Runtime: 85 Mins

In the quaint expanse of a remote Argentine village, Rita Lopez, a woman of unwavering faith coupled with an insatiable desire for supremacy, concocts a daring plan to ascend to the status of a saint. In the shadows of her chapel, she stumbles upon a forgotten statue, sparking an idea that could propel her to the zenith of admiration in the tight-knit community. With a persuasive charm, she enlists the support of her long-overlooked yet devoted husband, embarking on a collaborative journey to stage a miraculous revelation. Rita envisions this grand unveiling as the key to securing her place as the most revered woman in the village.

In their review, Austin Chronicles said, “Chronicles really is a see-it-to-believe-it visual treat, just know that Bustillo pulls it off.”

6. Close Your Eyes

Director: Victor Erice | Language: Spanish | Runtime: 155 Mins

Close Your Eyes delves into the disappearance of acclaimed Spanish actor Julio Arenas, who vanishes without a trace during the production of a film. Despite an exhaustive search, his body is never recovered, leading authorities to speculate on an unfortunate cliffside accident by the sea. Several years later, the baffling case resurfaces through a compelling television program. This production seeks to resurrect the actor’s memory, unveiling exclusive footage of his final scenes, captured by his intimate friend and director, Miguel Garay. The reappearance of these images reignites the dormant mystery, inviting audiences to reconsider the fate of Julio Arenas.

In their review of the film, Slant Magazine said, “Where once Victor Erice’s films defined the unknown as a life not yet experienced, Close Your Eyes interprets it as a life already lived, slowly dissolving into memory.”

7. Concrete Utopia

Director: Uhm Tae-Hwa | Language: Korean | Runtime: 129 Mins

In the aftermath of a colossal earthquake that has left the world in ruins, a solitary structure stands amidst the desolation—the Hwang Gung Apartments in the heart of Seoul. The extent of the devastation remains a mystery, and the cause of the cataclysmic event eludes comprehension. As the relentless cold tightens its grip on the remnants of civilization, desperate outsiders begin to converge on the last bastion of standing architecture. The Hwang Gung Apartments become a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from the unforgiving elements. However, with each passing day, the influx of newcomers strains the resilience of the apartment’s original inhabitants. Faced with the mounting challenge of accommodating an ever-growing population, the residents find themselves teetering on the brink of survival. In response to the escalating threat, they are compelled to implement a drastic and unique measure in a bid to secure their existence in this shattered world.

In our review of the film, we said, “Concrete Utopia presents a disturbing picture of humanity that dribbles into the absolute worst when the social structure is dismembered, and survival becomes the only need of the hour.”

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8. How to Have Sex

Director: Molly Manning Walker | Language: English | Runtime: 98 Mins

Three spirited British teenagers embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery during a rites-of-passage escapade. As they navigate the realms of vibrant nightlife, indulgent revelry, and meaningful connections, they anticipate a summer destined to become the highlight of their lives.

In their review of the film, Empire Magazine said, “As enthralling as it is important, How To Have Sex neatly depicts the joy and pain of teenage girlhood.

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9. Memory

Director: Michel Franco | Language: English | Runtime: 100 Mins

In the bustling heart of New York City, Silvia navigates the complexities of life with unwavering simplicity. Her world revolves around her daughter, the fulfilling routine of her job at a public home for adults grappling with mental health challenges, and the solace found in her AA meetings. Little does she know that the equilibrium of her structured existence is about to be disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Saul. Their paths cross under the most unsettling circumstances when Saul, a haunting figure from their shared high school past, inexplicably follows Silvia home from a reunion party. The next morning, she is confronted by the surreal sight of Saul, drenched and shivering on her doorstep. The twist of fate brings with it a flood of emotions and memories, unraveling a narrative that holds the power to reshape the course of their lives.

In their review for the film, Guardian said, “This is an absorbing story, acted with superlative delicacy and maturity by Chastain and Sarsgaard.”

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10. MMXX

Director: Cristi Puiu | Language: Romania | Runtime: 160 Mins

Oana Pfifer, a young therapist, finds herself increasingly absorbed in a questionnaire for her patient, her attention slipping away due to unknown distractions. Meanwhile, Mihai Dumitru, Oana’s younger brother, preoccupied with organizing his anniversary celebration, remains oblivious to the gravity of his demands, unknowingly entangled in a larger narrative. Septimiu Pfifer, Oana’s husband, concerned about potential Covid-19 exposure, half-listens to a peculiar story shared by his ambulance colleague, awaiting the next emergency call. Simultaneously, Narcis Patranescu, a crime inspector grappling with the recent loss of a colleague, becomes ensnared in a disconcerting dark tale while interrogating a young woman at a funeral. These brief moments encapsulate the meanderings of disparate souls ensnared at the crossroads of history.

In their review, IONCINEMA said that “Puiu’s microscopic approach proves to be more unnerving than usual… and one wonders if the film might feel more approachable as a cranky time capsule decades from now.”

11. Not a Word

Director: Hanna Salk | Language: French, German | Duration: 87 Mins

On a desolate island, a mother and son grapple with years of unspoken emotions and misunderstandings in Hanna Slak’s powerful fourth feature film. Starring the compelling Maren Eggert, with a haunting score by Amélie Legrand and mesmerizing cinematography by Claire Mathon, the film unfolds a poignant tale of silence and reconciliation.

In our review of the film, we said, “Not a Word could have been just another movie about affluent parents ignoring their kids during a crisis. However, Slak’s mastery over her craft creates a palpable atmosphere where silence does most of the job.”

12. Seagrass

Director: Tyler Hagan, Sara Blake | Language: English | Runtime: 115 Mins

In the aftermath of her mother’s passing, Judith, yearning for a profound connection in her marriage, takes her family to a secluded self-development retreat on a remote island. Amidst the idyllic setting, they befriend another interracial couple, seemingly embodying marital perfection. However, as Judith delves deeper, she unveils the irreparable fractures in her own relationship. Simultaneously, their two daughters navigate a tumultuous world, grappling with the constant strain of their parents’ crumbling marriage. Ultimately, the family confronts their most unsettling insecurities, standing on the precipice of permanence, as they strive to mend what is at risk of being irreversibly shattered.

In their review, Rogerbert.com said, “A raw and emotional drama about marriage, childhood, parenting, and this thorny thing we call family.”

13. Scrapper

Director: Charlotte Regan | Language: English | Runtime: 84 Mins

In this lively and imaginative comedy centered around a father-daughter duo, we follow the adventures of Georgie (played by Lola Campbell), a resourceful 12-year-old who, after her mother’s passing, secretly manages life in her flat in a working-class London suburb. Teaming up with her best friend Ali (Alin Uzun), Georgie earns a living by swiping bikes and maintains a facade of normalcy with social workers by claiming to reside with a fictional uncle. Suddenly, her estranged father Jason (portrayed by Harris Dickinson of “Triangle of Sadness” and “Beach Rats”) reenters the picture, disrupting Georgie’s carefully constructed world and compelling her to confront reality. Uninterested in this unexpected parental figure, Georgie stubbornly resists his efforts. However, as they navigate their new circumstances, both Georgie and Jason discover that they are still in the process of growing up.

In our review of the film, we said, “The most impressive bit is how Regan chooses to show the child’s perspective, whether it be Ali’s fascination with spiders and the spiders’ resultant interactions with each other through comic book bubbles or how Ali and Georgie imagine what Jason’s profession could be, and Dickinson appears in front of them through the garb of a vampire, a gangster, or a businessman.”

14. Sleep

Director: Jason Yu | Language: Korean | Runtime: 95 Mins

In the throes of pregnancy, a wife grows increasingly concerned about her husband’s peculiar sleeping habits. What begins as innocent sleep-talking takes a disconcerting turn toward unexpectedly grotesque behavior. Despite their efforts, consulting a sleep clinic yields no resolution. As his nightmarish episodes intensify, the couple, driven to desperation, turns to an unconventional source of help—a shaman. In this gripping tale of escalating strangeness, the couple navigates the mysterious and unsettling terrain of their shared dreams, searching for answers that seem to elude the waking world.

In their review of the film, Vox said, “Jason Yu crafts a twisty delight that leaves you doubting what you’re seeing and wondering what to believe right till the last moment.”

15. Sometimes I Think About Dying

Director: Rachel Lambert | Language: English | Runtime: 91 Mins

Adrift on the misty Oregon coast, Fran seeks refuge in the monotony of her cubicle, finding comfort in the constant hum of her office companions and occasionally indulging in daydreams to break the monotony. Trapped within the confines of her self-imposed isolation, Fran is a spectral presence in her own life. However, a beacon of change appears in the form of a friendly new coworker, Robert, who tenaciously attempts to bridge the gap between them. Despite the resistance rooted deep within her, Fran may have to reconsider her reluctance and give this unexpected connection a chance to puncture the bubble of her solitude.

In our review of the film, we said, “Aside from its clever writing, Rachel Lambert’s direction uses the minutiae of sounds during its long winding silences and grey tones. It capitalizes on moments of discomfort to break out into fascinating moments of dark humor.”

16. The Zone of Interest

Director: Jonathan Glazer | Language: German | Runtime: 106 Mins

In the shadows of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, the commandant, and his wife Hedwig aspire to construct an idyllic life for their family. They envision a dream home nestled beside the camp, complete with a garden—a stark contrast to the grim reality unfolding beyond their doorstep.

In their review of the film, The Daily Beast said, “A WWII horror story rooted in separation, alienation and a cold indifference that shakes one to the very core.”

17. Toll

Director: Carolina Markowicz | Language: Portuguese | Runtime: 101 Mins

Suellen, a toll booth attendant, leverages her position to assist a group of thieves in pilfering watches. Her motivation? Earning enough to enroll her son in a workshop aimed at understanding and embracing his identity. In a desperate pursuit of acceptance, Suellen grapples with the moral complexities of her choices as she endeavors to support her son’s journey.

In their review of the film, Collider said, “From its simple but effective production design right down to Jinkings’ excellent performance, Toll provides a multi-layered picture of what Suellen’s life is like.”

18. Yannick

Director: Quentin Dupieux | Language: French | Runtime: 67 Mins

Amidst a lackluster performance of the play “Le Cocu,” a decidedly mediocre boulevard production, Yannick rises from his seat, abruptly halting the show. With a determination to reclaim the evening, he steps into the spotlight, seizing control of the situation and steering the course of the night in a more captivating direction.

In their review of the film, Variety said, “Dupieux has concocted both a ripe comedic premise and a chance to interrogate what audiences expect from art: Diversion? Entertainment? Uplift? Provocation?”