Central Airport THF (2020)
Central Airport THF
”A refugee and a German bond at a unique meeting point in a deactivated airport.”
Trailer
Why watch this film?
Besides having established himself in melodrama with films like 'A Vida Invisível' and 'Céu de Suely', filmmaker Karim Aïnouz also took a risk in documentaries such as 'Catedrais da Cultura' and 'Sertão de Acrílico Azul Piscina' -- however, always sharing the direction with other partners. Now, however, he takes his first solo flight in the genre with 'Zentralflughafen THF', awarded at the Berlin Festival. Here, he maintains his contemplative and melodramatic style to talk about the deactivated Berlin-Tempelhof airport, which today serves as a meeting point for Germans and refugees. Karim's own style is undeniable, making use of a repressed emotion in the portrait of the people who cross that environment full of stories. It doesn't have the strength of his dramas, but it shows, from this curious story, the award-winning filmmaker's look at everyday events. Those who like Karim's style of films will undoubtedly find solace here.
Filmelier
Our suggestions
Berlin's Tempelhof Airport was opened in 1923 and, under Adolf Hitler, extended to become the world's largest airport which was finally closed in 2008. But even today Tempelhof Airport remains a place of arrivals and departures being used simultaneously as a refugee shelter and a leisure park for the inhabitants of Berlin. A historically unique moment for a portrait of this city within a city, but also of a European society in a state of emergency, caught between crisis and utopia.
To share
Do you want to watch something different?
Watch full movies now!
Press play and be surprised!
Where to watch?
From the same director
Invisible Life
Grab a tissue before watching this historical drama that won the Jury Prize at Cannes' Un Certain Regard section. Seventeen years after directing 'Madame Satã', Karim Ainuz returns to mid-20th century Rio de Janeiro, this time telling the story of two sisters, Eurídice (Carol Duarte) and Guida (Julia Stockler), who are separated by conservative parents without knowing each other's whereabouts. As they try to reunite, they must continue their lives dealing with the machismo and conservatism inherent in Brazilian society. The highlight of the film is the moving performance of the young actresses, as well as the original soundtrack composed by German Benedikt Schiefer, the attentive art direction of Rodrigo Martirena and the photography of French Hélène Louvart (who, it is worth remembering, signs the also acclaimed 'Lazzaro Felice'). Even though short, the incredible participation of the Brazilian cinema lady, Fernanda Montenegro, stands out. For all this, it is no wonder that 'A Vida Invisível' was chosen to represent Brazil at the 2020 Oscars.
Nardjes A.
Directed by the talented Karim Aïnouz (‘The Invisible Life’), ‘Nardjes A.’ seeks to particularize a popular revolt, a revolution, from the point of view of this female protagonist who gives the feature its title. However, the feeling is that the idea does not evolve from there. Although the director has some interesting editing resources along the way, the plot does not evolve much and ends up skating in the middle of similar meanings. The interviewed character, meanwhile, is stuck in the middle of that crowd looking for a breath, an escape, anything. But it doesn't happen. Some viewers will undoubtedly find the documentary repetitive and a bit tiring. But pay attention: at the heart of the matter, there is a look at the individual struggle and the importance of each person.
Suely in the Sky
Karim Aïnouz is, among many things, a filmmaker of Brazilian drama, which in his filmography becomes much more than a genre, but rather a careful and deep reading of social context, regionalism and culture. These readings guide his filmography and create a unique and personal work that can communicate with anyone who sees the economic and social plurality of our country. A work of enchanting sensitivity, a contained drama and a simple narrative where every act is a socio-political manifesto that cries out for the recognition of the individual. They are people marginalized by their humble social condition, to whom the right to dream, make plans, and seek a better future is not reserved. Thus, Suely is a political body in a head of dreams, who wants to be able to see beyond the horizon and break out of her social norm. A portrait above all naturalist in all its details, which exudes Brazil and the Northeast in scenarios so true that they confuse reality and fiction. It is the beauty of the mundane, it is Aviões do Forró playing, a sound car, the mototaxi or the goodbye sign "Aqui começa a saudade de Iguatu".
Mariner of the Mountains
Awarded at Cannes and nominated for an Ariel for the movie 'The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão', Brazilian and Algerian-ascended filmmaker Karim Aïnouz presents a personal film that works as a travel diary. With narration and a mix of subjective images (some of them fixed), it is an exploration of feelings of loss, as well as identity in displacement, with a melancholic tone reminiscent of Chris Marker's classic 'The Pier' ('La Jetée').
Documentary
Pedro
Pedro narra el acercamiento de una joven cineasta al reconocido artista Pedro Friedeberg. El contraste entre los momentos íntimos de estos dos personajes y los eventos públicos del artista completan un retrato tierno y a la vez cómico de una figura fantástica del arte mexicano.
Lang Lang Plays Disney
An unrivalled musical and visual treat that showcases unique arrangements of Disney's most popular songs and gives insight into the life of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang. Through performance and documentary segments, the film opens an intimate window into his extraordinary musical journey as he speaks to his love for Disney dating back to his childhood in China. Joined by London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lang Lang invites audiences to savor Disney classics such as "Let It Go", "We Don't Talk About Bruno", "You'll Be in My Heart" feat. English recording artist Alfie Boe, "When You Wish Upon a Star" feat. performer Gina Alice Redlinger and more.
Rosa Peral's Tapes
Following the same format as the documentary about the crime committed by Elize Matsunaga, which interviews the murderer to better understand her methods and thoughts, Rosa Peral's Tapes showcases the first interview with Rosa Peral, who has been in prison since she was convicted of her partner's murder with the help of a former lover. Following the successful true crime film format, the feature film explores the crime to the fullest – without much shame in doing so – while attempting to uncover the human side of this entire criminal case.
