What to watch inform yourself about the rich Ukrainian cinematic tradition

Christopher Silvester reviews two semi-autobiographical movies: Oscar-contender Belfast and arthouse The Souvenir

Acting ability should matter more than “lived experience”

Two political thrillers reveal the intimate cruelties of life under dictatorship

Christopher Silvester on two extraordinary films from Eastern Europe shown at the London Film Festival

Christopher Silvester on a war movie with no rousing patriotic music or violence, but nevertheless filled with unexpected delights and discoveries

To get a handle on African cinema, watch Mandabi

Christopher Silvester on films of faith and the canonisation of three children’s divine visions

Christopher Silvester on a documentary with a solely animalistic cast

Director Betrand Tavernier was able to admire both blacklisted directors and those who named names