This isn’t Hollywood. It’s the backroads, the diners, the borders, the forests. The U.S. and Canada in films that live far from the spotlight.

Normal

In this indie Christmas gem of the year, family tables, beloved actors of independent American cinema and the...descendants of famous directors (Francesca Scorsese and Sawyer Spielberg in key roles) are the ingredients of a warm holiday meal.

—
On Christmas Eve, a family gathers to celebrate, perhaps for the last time together, in their family home. As the night wears on and the domestic squabbles begin, one of the teenage girls at the gathering sneaks away with her friends with the intention of conquering the snowy suburb.

—
Official Selection - Directors' Fortnight | Cannes Film Festival | 2024

Christmas Eve in Miller's Point

Pivotal and seminal to the queer community, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's documentary became an instant classic and is revealing about the visibility and representation of diversity in mainstream culture.

—
The portrayal of the LGBTQ community and the covert or overt references to it as captured in the mainstream Hollywood studio system from the birth of cinema to 1995.

—
Teddy Award for Best Queer Documentary | Berlin Film Festival | 1996
Freedom of Expression Award | Sundance Film Festival | 1996
Nomination for 5 Primetime Emmy Awards | Emmy Awards | 1996

The Celluloid Closet

Faith, origin, family. The iconic film that won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, sparked countless debates, fights, and even memes, and established Terrence Malick as one of the most influential auteurs in modern world-class cinema.

—
The impressionistic story of an American family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of youth to the harsh maturation of adult life, as he tries to reconcile his complex relationship with his father. But Jack is also a lost soul in a modern world, searching for answers about his origin and the meaning of life, while questioning his faith.

—
Palme D'Or | Cannes Film Festival | 2011
Nomination for Best Picture | Oscars | 2012
Nomination for Best Director | Oscars | 2012
Nomination for Best Cinematography | Oscars | 2012
FIPRESCI Prize | San Sebastián Film Festival | 2011

The Tree of Life

How powerful is art, really? A performance of Romeo and Juliet changes the life of a grieving father in a drama full of humanity and emotion, from the creators of Saint Frances. Independent cinema, the way we remember loving it.

—
A melancholic middle-aged labourer struggles to come to terms with the recent loss of his son. At the same time, he’s faced with the delinquent behaviour of his intelligent yet rebellious teenage daughter, and slowly sinks deeper into anger and loneliness, until, by chance, he becomes entangled with an amateur theatre group rehearsing Romeo and Juliet near the construction site where he works. The drama on stage soon begins to reflect the turmoil of his own life.

—
Audience Award - Open Horizons | Thessaloniki Film Festival | 2024
Best Performance (Keith Kupferer) | Seattle International Film Festival | 2024

Ghostlight

Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan", "The Wrestler") directs a bold and emotionally sweeping film about reconciliation and redemption, giving the heartbreaking Brendan Fraser the performance of his career. Oscar-winning performance and make-up for a film adored by Greek audiences.

—
Charlie is a reclusive English teacher who lives unhealthily and suffers from an advanced degree of obesity. During one crucial week, Charlie will attempt to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, seeking one last attempt at redemption.

—
Official Selection | Venice Film Festival | 2023
Best Makeup and Hairstyling | Oscars | 2023
Best Actor (Brendan Fraser) | Oscars | 2023

The Whale

"They don't build statues of critics" says a popular meme, but they did the math without Roger Ebert. The most famous film critic ever to have lived, he was loved and read by generations of viewers thanks to his directness of writing and his open mind; a documentary about his life couldn't help but be a documentary about the love of cinema itself.

—
The life of film critic Roger Ebert, the highlights of his career, his occasional rivalry with fellow critic Gene Siskel, personal and professional highlights. A documentary on the world-renowned film critic in a look that is personal, funny, painful and transcendent. Based on his best-selling memoir, the documentary explores the legacy of Ebert's life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.

—
Best Documentary | Critics' Choice Awards | 2015

Life Itself

The chronicle of a radical career change or a well-orchestrated farce? Whatever it really is, the film that Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck put together about the former's, alleged, retirement from acting is a furious, unruly and highly entertaining mockumentary (?).

—
Just two years after receiving an Oscar nomination for his powerhouse performance as Johnny Cash in 'Walk the Line,' actor Joaquin Phoenix shocked show business by announcing his retirement from acting to pursue a career as a hip hop musician. 'I'm Still Here,' directed by Phoenix's brother-in-law and fellow actor Casey Affleck, tells the story of the star's life change.

—
BiograFilm Award | Venice Film Festival | 2010

I'm Still Here

Delve deeper into David Lynch's labyrinthine, surreal, nightmarish universe with these eerie, hallucinatory shorts that reflect both the origins and evolution of his unique style.

—
A double leg amputated woman sits and writes a long meandering letter while her ineffective nurse attempts to attend to her stumps.

The Amputee Version 2

Nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards, Alex Thompson's directorial debut is a film full of warmth, honesty, and subversive humour, touching with courage and disarming sensitivity taboo subjects of female self-determination and human connection.

—
A 34-year-old woman, with no clear direction in life, takes a job as a nanny for a young girl. As she forms a deep bond with the child, she is confronted with an unwanted pregnancy. Torn by doubt and the possibility of abortion, she embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

—
Audience Award | SXSW Film Festival | 2019
Special Jury Award | SXSW Film Festival | 2019
Nomination for the John Cassavetes Award | Film Independent Spirit Awards | 2021
Nomination for the Mermaid Award | Thessaloniki Film Festival | 2019

Saint Frances

Delve deeper into David Lynch's labyrinthine, surreal, nightmarish universe with these eerie, hallucinatory shorts that reflect both the origins and evolution of his unique style.

—
A young boy plants some strange seeds and they grow into a grandmother.

The Grandmother

Toying with the boundaries of atmospheric horror, Shults and his brilliant director of photography create a world of immersive imagery; a world in which true fear originates from within and not from the outside.

—
Imagine the end of the world. Now imagine something even worse. Skillful director Trey Edward Schults returns with a psychological thriller that follows a young boy in the wake of an unspeakable disaster.

It Comes at Night

Those who love music more than gossip will appreciate Jim Jarmusch's simple and clear look back to the years of rock ‘n’ roll mythology, with Iggy Pop and his Stooges truthfully describing the inner workings of the industry, deconstructing an entire era.

—
The story of The Stooges, one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time, through a cultural, political, historical and musical prism. A story about their adventures, relationships, "exploits", reasons behind their success, musical inspirations, as well as the legacy they left in the music scene.

—
Official Selection | Cannes Film Festival | 2016
Official Selection | San Sebastian International Film Festival | 2016

Gimme Danger

In addition to his legendary filmography, Sydney Pollack left us a great gift to be discovered years after his death. Aretha Franklin’s one-of-a-kind, electrified performance at a Los Angeles Baptist Church.

—
In 1972 Sydney Pollack films Aretha Franklin’s legendary concert in a Los Angeles church, which turned into one of the most successful gospel albums of all time. Nearly fifty years later, this borderline supernatural performance becomes an instant classic music film, destined to forever preach the glorious gospel of soul.

Amazing Grace

The great David Lynch's first feature film, a black and white legend that has rightly remained for decades an enigmatic cinematic nightmare that happily eludes any logical explanation.

—
A man in a post-apocalyptic industrial city. His perpetually angry girlfriend. Their horribly deformed baby who keeps screaming. The insanity within a black and white nightmarish space begins.

Eraserhead

The fearsome child of modern festivals, Xavier Dolan returns with an explosive domino of revelations and family passions. French cinema all-star cast and a well deserved Cannes award.

—
After 12 years of absence, a writer returns home to make an important announcement to his family. A quiet afternoon is destroyed by confrontations and feuds, triggered by feelings of loneliness and doubt. The family members' attempts for reconciliation fail due to their inability to listen and love.

—
Grand Prize of the Jury | Cannes Film Festival | 2016
Best Director | César Awards | 2017
Award Best Actor (Gaspard Ulliel) | César Awards | 2017

It's Only the End of the World

Does this actually happen in the Figure Skating world? An unlikely true story turns into an almost Scorsese narrative with white trash heroes due to the riveting performances of Margot Robbie and Allison Janney.

—
The true (or maybe not) story of American champion Tonya Harding who was accused of the biggest conspiracy in the history of figure skating and an incident that shocked its fanatical viewers.

—
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Allison Janney) | Oscars | 2018
Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Margot Robbie) | Oscars | 2018

I, Tonya

Dreams do not have age restrictions, on the contrary, those who strive to realize them put age distinctions set by modern societies aside. A comedy that screams "it's never too late" with a fine cast of actors ready to give it their all.

—
In a retirement community, two daring women (Diane Keaton and Jacki Weaver) decide to start a cheerleading squad, regaining their zest for life and proving that it's never too late for new beginnings!

Poms

Clint Eastwood’s award-winning masterpiece about the relationship between a veteran coach and a young boxer who won’t stop fighting. The movie won 4 Oscars: Best Movie, Directing, Actress in a Leading Role (Hilary Swank) and Actor in a Supporting Role (Morgan Freeman)

—
Frankie Dunn is a veteran boxing coach in Los Angeles. He keeps everyone at arm’s length except for his old-time friend and partner, Eddie. When Maggie, a young woman from a working-class Missouri background, comes to Frankie’s gym in search of his expertise, he is reluctant to become her trainer. Eventually, he gives in and the two of them form a tight bond that will irrevocably change both.

—
Best Film | Oscars | 2005
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Hilary Swank) | Oscars | 2005
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Morgan Freeman) | Oscars | 2005
Best Director | Oscars | 2005
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Drama (Hilary Swank) | Golden Globes | 2005
Best Director | Golden Globes | 2005
Best Foreign Film | César Awards | 2006

Million Dollar Baby

What do you do when you're 20-something, no steady job, not even any real dreams? Frances dances, worries, dares, fears, falls in love, moves on. Real-life couple Noah Baumbach ("Marriage Story") and Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird") collaborate in a film about growing up, that is as true as life itself.

—
Frances lives in New York, but doesn't have a place of her own. She is a teacher at a dance academy, but she's not sure if she's a dancer. She's impulsive, sensitive and spontaneous and she thinks everything's gonna be okay even when everything seems like it won't. When her best friend and roommate decides to move out, France's life gets turned upside down. What will she do from now on?

—
Nominated for Best Actress (Greta Gerwig) | Golden Globes | 2014

Frances Ha

How a dinner can turn into a war of words or a war of classes. Salma Hayek versus John Lithgow ("The Crown") in a recital of performances in Miguel Arteta's delightful black comedy, director of the series "Six Feet Under" and "American Horror Story".

—
Beatrice is a hollistic medicine practitioner in Los Angeles who drives to the seaside mansion of one of her clients. When her old Volkswagen breaks down, she receives a friendly invitation from Cathy, the client, to stay for a seemingly innocent business dinner. As guests arrive and wine begins to flow plentifully, Beatrice suddenly finds herself at the centre of a verbal war with a ruthless real estate agent who cares more about money than people.

Beatriz at Dinner

New York is burning! The film that excited the crowds of the Un Certain Regard of the Cannes Festival, following a path of liberation for its central hero as a different world opens up before him when he meets and falls in love with a young trans woman. With Fionn Whitehead of Dunkirk.

—
20 year old Paul arrives at the Port Authority Bus Terminal of New York, where he meets Wye, a charming trans woman, whom he falls in love with at first sight. When he discovers that Wye is trans, he begins a journey of self-awareness full of challenges, during which he is called upon to confront his own identity and what it means to belong somewhere. Official entry in the "Un Certain Regard" section of the 2019 Cannes Festival.

—
Official Selection | Cannes Film Festival | 2019
Official Selection | Thessaloniki International Film Festival | 2019

Port Authority

Suddenly, everyone starts seeing Nicolas Cage in their dreams. Relatable! The great Cage stars in a delightfully nightmarish and constantly unpredictable satire, delivering one of the finest performances of his career.

—
The life of Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage), a dull academic and family man, is turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly begin seeing him in their dreams. But when these nightly encounters take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to deal with his unexpected fame.

—
Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Nicolas Cage) | Golden Globes | 2024

Dream Scenario

A new life or a dream? Reality and fantasy merge into one in David Lynch's riveting neo-noir, under the emblematic soundtrack of Angelo Badalamenti, starring Oscar winner Patricia Arquette.

—
A saxophonist is accused under mysterious circumstances of murdering his wife. On death row, he inexplicably morphs into a young man leading a completely different life. When the young man is released, their paths begin to cross in a surreal, suspenseful web of intrigue, orchestrated by a shady gangster boss.

Lost Highway

For the first time in Greece the best comedy of 2024 according to Letterboxd users. An instant cult cinematic oddity that blends the slapstick humor of Looney Tunes with the techniques of silent cinema and the surrealism of Terry Gilliam and Guy Maddin.

—
In the 19th century, a drunken applejack salesman is forced to become the greatest hunter in North America to stop an invasion of hundreds of beavers and win the heart of his beloved.

—
Best Director | Phoenix Film Festival | 2023
Nomination for Best Motion Picture - New Visions | Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival | 2023

Hundreds of Beavers

Any list of concert films worth its salt places "Stop Making Sense" at the very top. Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece (The Silence of the Lambs) captures the Talking Heads at their absolute peak — now restored in stunning digital quality to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary.

—
Stop Making Sense brings the Talking Heads to the big screen, capturing their electrifying live performances at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983 — David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison joined by an ecstatic ensemble of musicians.

USA and Canada