The success of our Submit Your Film Initiative continued this year in the same pace, with the restrictions implemented by the quarantines around the world actually functioning as both a challenge and inspiration for many filmmakers, and us ending up with even more submissions than last year, much more than 100. Furthermore, as the initiative became more well known, a number of bigger profile movies were also submitted, as in the case of “76 Days” and “Nina Wu”.
This year, we also asked the directors to allow us to screen both their trailers and their whole films in our YouTube Channel, through another initiative, AMP Cinema for Free, with a number of them responding positively and even benefiting by the exposure, eventually finding distribution in various streaming platforms.
Our cooperation with Vienna Shorts Festival that allows the films that we suggest to them to be submitted with a 70% price off (final submission fee would be just 3-5 euros depending on the film) and for a chance to screen in Vienna during the festival also continued this year and it is on its final course at this moment.
In that regard, we would like to thank all the filmmakers who submitted their work and we hope that they continue to do so for many years to come.
At the same time, we also felt the need to celebrate this initiative by listing the movies we considered the best. Without further ado, here are the best #SubmitYourFilm Movies of 2020, in random order. (By clicking on the title, you can read the full review of the film)
22. Ex-Wife Monogatari (2020) by Zihao Su
“Ex-Wife Monogatari” is difficult to watch, both due to the sense of disorientation that permeates the narrative and the extremity of the images. However, the production is impressive, particularly the visual aspect and the film emerges as quite appealing and intriguing, and one that fans of Sion Sono will appreciate particularly. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
21. The Goddess (2019) by Renkai Tan
“The Goddess” North America rights have been bought by Film Movement and is now featured on the Blu-ray/DVD of The Wild Goose Lake, another neo-noir from Wuhan. An apt pairing given the short film compliments the visuals and narrative approach of the feature film. The debut from Renkai Tan certainly shows an artist with a strong voice, offering an unforgettable tale of revenge that should not be missed. (Adam Symchuk)
20. After_Life (2020) by Perry Lam
“After_Life” is a well executed short film, utilizing a strong visual and narrative structure that feels nearly flawless. It is a deeply emotional engaging work that capitalizes on the current trends of technophobia that has launched series such as “Black Mirror” into infamy (although the comparison is more in trend and themes than delivery). Overall, Perry Lam shows he is a future talent to watch out for, and “After_Life” feels like the start of great things to come. (Adam Symchuk)
19. Outside the Burning Ghats (2020) by Anirban Dutta
“Outside the Burning Ghats” is not a film for everyone, and the fact remains that one has to read the intro to understand what it is about. However, the power underneath the images and the movement presented on screen are undeniable, and Dutta has managed to communicate the sense of death quite eloquently. (Panos Kotzathanasis )
Read our interview with director Anirban Dutta here.
18. The Snakehead (2014) by Razli Dalan
“Haruan: The Snakehead” is certainly a unique experience, that thrives on its ability to convey emotion through a free form narrative. The movie does trip up in a few places, but for a director trying to find his voice through avant-garde cinema, “Haruan” offers an experience that is both engaging and jarring. Overall, fans of experimental cinema would be well served to give the film a chance, if just to experience the strength that raw emotion can bring into a production of this ilk.
You can watch the full film on our YouTube Channel.
17. See You Next Century (2019) by James Lee
Productions of this ilk (Still frame story telling) will always remain a niche genre, and for understandable reasons. Even with my own appreciation of this production, and the amount of grace and skill given to the format, it will never be able to match up to a live action or animated film. However, that critique comes as a way to somewhat soften my overall praise for a short film that really thrives under its own limitations. Overall, James Lee shows he has the ability to create something profound and beautiful under self imposed conditions, a true testament to being a talented filmmaker. (Adam Symchuk)
16. The Child of Nowhere (2020) by Dio Wang
“The Child of Nowhere” features fine performances from both Zhu You-cheng as Yang and Cheng Yu-chieh as his father. Primarily, the story rests on young Zhu's shoulders and he manages to enact the emotions of the sorrowful child commendably. The bright cinematography adds to the project's overall visual appeal.
As the short reaches its final shot, it is to Dio Wang's credit that one cannot help but be fully sympathetic to Yang's plight and his inner turmoil. This is a well-shot, well-acted and confidently directed work that should certainly put its director on your list of artists to watch out for. (Rhythm Zaveri)
A collection of Tsai Ming Liang's movies is streaming on MUBI
15. A Fallen Fruit (2020) By Amit Dubey
“A Fallen Fruit” leaves a lasting impression by offering a picturesque tale focused around a profound loss. As a result, it is difficult to imagine the audience not coming away from the production with a sense of appreciation for the work. Whether it be the exploration of the Cambodian landscape, the calming aesthetic or the introspective look at dealing with loss, the film is bound to connect with the viewer on some level. Amit Dubey (“The Spell“, “Mind Cage“) has proven to be a strong voice within Cambodian cinema, “A Fallen Fruit” further cements this sentiment in offering up an unforgettable experience. (Adam Symchuk)
14. 76 Days (2020) by Hao Wu, Weixi Chen and Anonymous
Apart from the impressive shots inside and outside the hospitals, of equal excellence is the editing in the movie, which communicates the frantic situation as eloquently as possible, through a pace that tries to match the speed of the hospital workers. At the same time, the fact that the filmmakers also manage to emit a sense of optimism and hopefulness through such events, seems like one of the biggest traits of the production.
“76 Days” is an impressive movie that ticks all the boxes that make a film and particularly a documentary, great. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
13. Chokh (I See) (2020) by Pratik Dey Chowdhury
“Chokh” acts as one of those experiences which can have a profound effect on the right viewer, as the sense of desperation may resonate with those who have found themselves caught up in moments of high emotions and internal struggles. Furthermore, the experimental approach to narrative and visuals acts to further draw out a cathartic reaction from the observer. This personal and experimental approach will undeniably leave some audiences behind who are unable to empathize. However, for those that will connect with the material, Pratik Dey Chowdhury's “Chokh” acts as a mini masterpiece for the disenfranchised (past or present). (Adam Symchuk)
