2022 PIPFF

POV zooms in on films about the new normal post Covid-19. In the two years since its outbreak, the pandemic has brought seismic changes. While traditional theaters remained closed, OTT streaming and social network services grew ever more powerful, and ‘contactless’ became the new standard in many areas. The pandemic-induced digital acceleration is creating new experiences that are different from a more analog world. Discovering visually gratifying elements in the empty streets, Nothing to See Here is an implicit representation of the ‘uncanny’ mood brought on by the coronavirus. As far as the word ‘contactless’ goes, it is plain to see that ‘contact’ existed first, so we can safely assume that there is an underlying desire for contact in this contactless world. Surely, the absence of physical contact can make relationships harder and more dramatic, as seen in A Marriage and Love in a Bottle. Both films make us ponder about the power of love, through the couples trying to make their romantic relationships work, virtually. Stop and Go and I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) tackle the confusion and chaos of pandemic head on with wittiness. By Flávio, Sandstorm and The Right Words actively bring social media culture into real life, creating vibrant stories. Amid changing times, new generation will always find a way to have some fun even in the face of dashed hope. We hope that the eight movies in this section will be your chance to come across delightful surprises at unexpected moments.