Film-Forward

Cactus Pears, The Lost Chapters, The Virgin of the Quarry Lake | New Directors/New Films 2025

Among the festival’s rich selection, three must-see highlights stand out, all still seeking distribution in the United States.

Eric LaRue

The directorial debut of Michael Shannon, based on a play by Brett Neveu.

A Nice Indian Boy

Karan Soni, left, and Jonathan Groff in A Nice Indian Boy (Levantine Films)

The romantic, sweet-natured film has the feel of cringe comedy, but only on the surface.

When Fall Is Coming

With an all-around excellent cast, prolific French director François Ozon has crafted an intriguing puzzler.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Presented in chronological order, the documentary offers a solid, if uninspired, overview of Janis Ian’s compelling life.

The Friend

At times, it feels like Eat Pray Love or Under the Tuscan Sun are the best points of reference here.

Julie Keeps Quiet

A sensitive psychological drama about a rising tennis star facing her demons, namely her suspended coach.

Grand Tour

The film brings to life a dream state via astounding images and intoxicating camerawork.

The Penguin Lessons

An amusing inspirational comedy set against the backdrop of Argentina’s Dirty War.

Viet and Nam

Audacious, expressionistic, and evocative, Viet and Nam blends a secret romance between two young male coal miners with reverberations of the historic past.