FRED’s Chiara Nicoletti meets versatile and eclectic actress Edwina Findley, intense protagonist of Jake Mahaffy‘s FREE IN DEED, in competition at the 72nd Venice Film Festival in the Orizzonti section, in which it was awarded the Best Film Prize.
In the film Edwina plays Melva Neddy, a single mother desperately looking for a cure to her son’s autism in a society in which she’s left with no help from social services or healthcare system. Edwina Findley explains how the film explores the difficulty of judging a woman in her character’ situation and how, even death, can de liberating in a very desperate sense.
FREE IN DEED: Set in the distinctive world of storefront churches, and based on actual events, Free in Deed depicts one man’s attempts to perform a miracle. When a single mother brings her young boy to church for healing, this lonely pentecostal minister is forced to confront the seemingly incurable illness of the child… and his own demons as well. The more he prays, the more things seem to spiral out of his control.
Many are the profound layers of "The Love That Remains", Icelandic entry for the Oscars, a film that evolves from simple to surreal, inviting viewers to feel rather than fully understand.
"El Sett", the sumptuous film by Marwan Hamed reveals how music and culture thrive amid challenges, showcasing resilience and rich traditions in a captivating, behind-the-scenes look. The astounding life of Umm Kulthum is told through a personal and intimate lens.
The heartfelt story of "Porte Bagage" by Abdelkarim El Fassi, revolves around a family trip form the Netherlands to Morocco blending drama and humor, exploring cultural conflicts, gender roles, and emotional resilience.