Viewed, liked, recommended: Viennale film tips from the film editors

Viennale Film Recommendations Highlight Diversity and Depth The Viennale has become a hub for some of the year's finest festival films, with the STANDARD film department offering insights into standout selections for this year's opening. Among these recommendations is Ben’Imana, the debut feature by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambos, which made history as the first Rwandan film to compete at Cannes in 2026. It won the prestigious Caméra d’Or award for best debut, focusing on Vénéranda, a young Tutsi woman who narrowly survived the genocide of 1994. The film explores her journey in 2012, navigating the delicate balance between seeking justice and pursuing reconciliation within her community. It delves into the complex dynamics of healing after such trauma, highlighting the role women play in bridging divides between victim and perpetrator groups. Another notable entry is No Good Men, an Afghan romantic comedy directed by Shahrbanoo Sadat, who also stars in the film. Set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of Taliban rule, the film features a female cameraman trying to convince her journalist colleague of the value of men in their lives. This film is described as both politically charged and feminist, marking a rare instance of an Afghan film featuring a kiss and possibly the first to include a vibrator. Shot in Germany while in exile, No Good Men was chosen as the opening film for this year's Berlinale, according to reports. In contrast, 15/18 A Place to Heal offers a more introspective look at youth mental health. The film follows Lucia, a teenager sent back to a closed psychiatric ward after a storm hits. There, she meets other young patients dealing with varied personal issues. While the film does not shy away from depicting the challenges faced by its protagonist, it ultimately presents a hopeful narrative through the performances of emerging actors, including Malou Khebizi, who received recognition at the Venice Film Festival. Notre Salut (A Man of His Time), directed by Emmanuel Marre, stands out as one of the year's best films from Cannes. It earned praise for its screenplay and is based on the correspondence between the director and his grandparents. The film portrays the political ambitions of Henri Marre, a man from the Vichy regime, whose aspirations are explored through the lens of his family's history. Swann Arlaud plays the role of Henri, drawing from his own grandfather's life, creating a deeply personal historical drama. Other films highlighted include Auslandsreise, a Berlin-based film directed by Ted Fendt, which blends humor with social commentary on housing crises and personal identity. Meanwhile, The Loneliest Man in Town focuses on a blues musician facing eviction from his home, exploring themes of displacement and rediscovery. Lastly, Queen at Sea tackles sensitive topics surrounding dementia and sexual relationships, featuring a stellar cast including Tom Courtenay and Juliette Binoche. Each of these films contributes uniquely to the diverse tapestry of cinema presented at the Viennale, offering audiences a range of narratives that reflect contemporary issues and human experiences.