170. Vues D’Afrique Short Films – Burundi

Multiple Directors

Program of Burundian short films from the Vues D’Afriques Pan African Film Festival in Montreal.

MY TAKE

I produced three of the films in this program, so I’ll skip those. But since very little comes out of the country, even Leonce Ngabo’s dry treatment of still images and oral history in Burundi 1850-1962 is welcomed. Na Wewe doesn’t totally feel worthy of its Oscar nomination, but the unexpected ending and professional polish by Belgium’s Ivan Goldschmidt were enough to help put the film, and country, on people’s radar.

50. Painted Lips and Lolly Licks

Multiple directors

SEX! Now that we’ve got your attention, the third annual Painted Lips and Lolly Licks: The Sexy Film Festival is for films about sex, romance or the erotic, provided it’s 10 minutes or shorter.

MY TAKE

The definition of “sexy” is relative, but I found this year’s short film program a Japanese bukkake-sized disappointment.  Man’s Best Friend provided some comic release, but most films belonged in either the amateur section or with Euro arthouse wack-offs.