Paul reminded me last weekend that I don’t watch as much foreign films as I used to.

I like foreign movies although I rarely say it out loud because it sounds pretentious.

“Hi, I’m… I enjoy foreign movies and fine wine”

I prefer foreign films for their non formulaic approach and sometimes honest storytelling, plus it’s a peek into other cultures.

I couldn’t catch a screening at this year’s film festival, I made a list and everything but life (or lack thereof) got in the way.

Here’s a list of movies I’ve watched in the past year:

Volver:

This is the third Pedro Almodòvar movie I’ve loved. It’s again a tribute to women and their resilience. It has drama, mystery, superstition, humour and Penélope Cruz.

The Syrian Bride:

I became obsessed with Golan Heights after watching this movie. It’s a great movie about the complexities born of our inability to live together. Simply put, it’s about a wedding and a border.

Cache:

This is one of those “French cinema” pieces. It’s an unconventional mystery thriller. I found it entertaining enough, others called it art, some might find it boring.

Inch’Allah Dimache:

The immigrant’s tale, a story of an Algerian woman who joins her husband in France with her children and mother-in-law. The film isn’t a stage to bring about a happy ending; it’s a simple movie that tells its story.

Sabah:

A small entertaining love story about cultural differences, and how love overcomes everything. It’s sweet.

Metallic Blues:

The comedic misadventures of two Israeli men (one’s parent a holocaust victim) trying to sell an American car in Germany.

Maya:

I watched Maya years ago but I felt it belongs on this list. It’s quite an usual movie, very beautiful shot with a very dark and shocking message. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.

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