South Social Film Festival London
Celebrating independent world cinema.
Since moving to London, one of my most memorable encounters was with Paola Melli, founder of the South Social Film Festival (SFFF).
Since 2015 she has been running this nomad film festival across London in unconventional cinema locations. Based on movies chosen by country, the format celebrates different cultures through an immersive live experience that includes traditional food and music.
Thanks to her wide network and long experience, Paola engages with directors, actors and producers, inviting them to the screenings and the following Q&A sessions, which are always so inspiring.
SSFF’s movie selection digs deep into global political issues, exploring the intimate journeys inspired by contemporary lives.
Here’s my pick of the most remarkable SSFF films from the last few years.
Mexico
Güeros by Alonso Ruizpalacios, 2014
I loved this movie so much that I now include it in my own personal list of top 10 all-time favourite movies! It’s poetic, visionary and ironic, staged in stunning Mexico city during the great strikes at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico). You will find yourself immersed in a black and white road movie on the quest for a sign that may or may not be there…
Thanks to Gueros, I discovered the immense talent of Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios and singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade.
“Dad used to say if the world is a train station and people passengers, poets aren’t the ones who come and go, but those who stay at the station watching the trains go.” (Sombra to his little brother.)
Finland
The Happiest Days in The Life of Holli Mäki by Juho Kuosmanen, 2016
Finally, a story focusing on parallel and unexpected victories. Sometimes, in our own way, while struggling and fighting to reach our ultimate goals, we can be surprised by serendipity and alternative accomplishments.
Norway
Going West by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken, 2017
Ingar Helge Gimle exquisitely interprets a man, husband and father who expresses himself through cross-dressing. Wearing skirts and red lipstick, he appears absolutely fascinating. A true ode to freedom and authenticity.
Iceland
RAMS by Grímur Hákonarson, 2016
A simple but emotionally intense story unfolds in an isolated landscape. The unexpected finalé represents how fraternal love can manifest itself despite countless difficulties.
Chile
Tardi Para Morir Joven by Dominga Sotomayor, 2018
The story of a teenager living in a neo-hippy commune on the outskirts of Santiago. A stream of consciousness and sexual discovery.
China
Dead Pigs by Cathy Yan, 2018
Dead Pigs is a layered film that sets out to explore China through a series of eccentric characters, between consumerism and poetic twists. A satire at its best that somehow escaped the strict Chinese censors.
Japan
Demolition Girl by Genta Matsugami, 2019
Demolition Girl by Genta Matsugami centres around a very stubborn young student who manages to support her family with fetish videos. A real neo-feminist, she’s a surprising and welcome heroine.
Finally, after a year of online cineclubs with Q&As, SSFF reached 35 online events and is ready to go live again. SSFF switched to digital screenings on April 1st, 2020 and is closing on May 19th. They have travelled far and wide mostly in Nordic countries but also in Argentina. Their crowd is very engaged and supported them through the pandemic together with a group of filmmakers that converged from all over the world to mingle and exchange culture and cinema.
SSFF cineclubs during this past lockdown have been by far the most sustainable and accessible events of all time.
The first live appointment is taking place in Dulwich Park in July and will be an all-time favourite, a LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL.
Follow South Social Film Festival on Instagram – Facebook – Youtube – Twitter