A Curse and Unfinished Chapters: Ghost Writer by Paul Wilkins — from July 6
Seeking inspiration and solitude, writer Gilliger Graham travels to an old family estate where his father once met a mysterious demise. In the house, Gilliger discovers his father’s unfinished manuscript. Envious of the work, he tries to claim the text as his own. In doing so, he inadvertently summons an ancient demon connected to his father’s death.
This British art-horror film has earned two awards at the Prague Film Festival and features Luke Mably alongside artist Belle Mundy. It stands out as a bold, expansive exploration of creative genius and the burden of inspiration.
Centaur, lead role: Kirill Chemnitz — from July 13
A tightly wound thriller set in a single night. Sasha, a taxi driver who relishes the quiet hours and empty streets, endures a shift that never seems to end. Lisa, played by Anastasia Talyzina, also works late and calls a cab to go home.
Along the drive, the two strangers slowly open up to each other, a fragile connection forming. Yet as the night wears on, Sasha grows increasingly suspicious while Lisa fears for her safety.
Fools’ Paradise, director Charlie Day — from July 20
At the center of this satirical tale is a quirky protagonist who arrives in Los Angeles by bus and suddenly finds himself famous for bearing an uncanny resemblance to a reclusive movie icon. His rise attracts a colorful cast of eccentrics and propels him into a string of improbable adventures.
Charlie Day, known for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Horrible Bosses, makes his directorial debut and collaborates with a lineup of renowned actors. This film marks Day’s bold foray into directing, producing a flamboyant skit with star power behind it.
Fight the Devil — also called Sympathy for the Devil, director Yuval Adler — from July 20
Another taxi lounge setting serves as the stage for this tense drama. The driver, Joel Kinnaman, picks up a mysterious passenger played by Nicolas Cage, and the two embark on a two hour journey that becomes a gripping test of nerves for both characters and audiences alike.
In form, the movie channels the tension of classic crime cinema with a modern twist, presenting a silent driver who may also be a hostage to a merciless professional killer. The genre’s rulebook suggests only one can survive such a confrontation.
Jeanne Du Barry, director Maiwenn — from July 20
The film follows Jeanne Vaubernier, a clever young woman from humble origins who uses wit and charm to climb the social ladder. She encounters King Louis XV, portrayed by Johnny Depp, and becomes a favorite at court. The King’s affection awakens a life of pleasure long elusive during his reign, yet the relationship unsettles his circle and stirs intrigue at the palace.
The film had its Russian premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and later screened at SESLER Film Festival in Vologda.
King of the Streets, Omar la fraise, director Elias Belkeddar — from July 20
New Cannes premiere that earned Belkeddar the Golden Camera award. The story centers on Omar, a gangster serving a long prison sentence who flees to Algeria in a bid to escape punishment. His closest ally is Roger, a daring street hustler who navigates perilous streets alongside him.
Soon, the old crew and new adversaries converge at their doorstep, turning the city into a tense battleground as loyalties fray and danger closes in.
See You on Venus, director Joaquin Lamas — from July 20
Mia and Kyle are complete opposites. Kyle lives freely, viewing life as an open book, while Mia is cautious and plans every step. Their trip to Spain aims to locate Mia’s biological mother, a person she has never met.
Inside the glove compartment lies a list of potential candidates and a map spanning thousands of kilometers. See You on Venus shines with warmth and optimism, a bright choice for a big screen experience.
Foreign, Farang, director Xavier Jeans — from July 27
An intense and fast paced action thriller from Xavier Jeans, known for high energy dramas. The protagonist, Sam, is a former inmate who seeks a clean slate but is pulled back into danger from his past. He flees to Thailand, where he finds found family and a chance at a new life. Yet the past catches up and he is forced into a dangerous mission that involves smuggling drugs. A brutal tragedy follows, setting Sam on a path of revenge.