Despite the many unexpected surprises that 2020 has thrown the world’s way, it has remained a fascinating and dynamic year for cinema. From emerging voices to new films from the old guard, there has been a bevy of exciting releases from all corners of the world.

Five of my personal favourites are the stunning new restoration of Soviet war classic Come and See 1985; the singular, staccato vision of Camilo Restrepo’s Los Conductos 2020; the joyously bizarre (or perhaps bizarrely joyous) Red Post on Escher Street 2020 from Japanese cult superstar Sion Sono; the engrossing and illuminating portrait of the artist-filmmaker Schlingensief – A Voice That Shook the Silence 2020; and The Woman Who Ran 2020, the latest entrancing mellow drama from Hong Sang-soo.

Robert Hughes, Australian Cinémathèque, QAGOMA

RELATED: 5 film suggestions to watch

1. Come and See

Come and See 1985 / Director: Elem Klimov

2. Los Conductos

Los Conductos 2020 / Director: Camilo Restrepo

3. Red Post on Escher Street

4. Schlingensief – A Voice That Shook the Silence

5. The Woman Who Ran

The Woman Who Ran 2020 / Director: Hong Sang-soo

Watch and Read about BIFF 2019 / More on BIFF 2020 / View the Cinémathèque’s ongoing program / Subscribe to QAGOMA YouTube to go behind-the-scenes

QAGOMA is the only Australian art gallery with purpose-built facilities dedicated to film and the moving image. The Australian Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) provides an ongoing program of film and video art that you’re unlikely to see elsewhere, offering a rich and diverse experience of the moving image, showcasing the work of influential filmmakers and international cinema, rare 35mm prints, recent restorations and silent films with live musical accompaniment on the Gallery’s Wurlitzer organ originally installed in Brisbane’s Regent Theatre in November 1929.

Featured image: Production still from Sweet River 2020 / Director: Justin McMillan/ Image courtesy: Film Ink Presents

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