LESSONS OF TOLERANCE
Directed by Arkadii Nepytaliuk
2023 | 95 min | Ukraine | UNCL 15+
Awards
Cinema 2023 Tallinn Black Nights Film 2023 Cottbus Festival of East European
A film from a nation literally under siege and under attack, Ukrainian actor-director Arkadii Nepytaliuk’s satirical dark comedy is fascinating and urgent in its topicality and cultural relevance. LESSONS OF TOLERANCE invites viewers on a transformative journey that challenges deep-seated stereotypes and beliefs.
In this charmingly effervescent but profoundly moving film, vibrant LGBTIQ+ activist Vasyl is invited into a small-town home as part of the government’s “Lessons of Tolerance” programme, which is aimed at promoting European integration. Through heartfelt interactions and shared experiences with the family – blue-collar dad Zenyk, upstanding mum Nadia, and grown-up kids Denys and Diana – Vasyl works his magic, gradually dismantling their prejudices. Along the way, Vasyl helps each family member shed their insecurities, rediscover their long-lost freedom, and reignite emotions that they thought were lost forever.
“Lessons of Tolerance’s message of overcoming difference through shared experience and common humanity parallels the way Russia’s invasion has changed people’s perception of who is a threat and conversely, who is an ally.” –– Jeffrey Ingold | THE GUARDIAN
SCREENING WITH SHORTS
I LIKE LONG WAKS ON PARRAMATTA ROAD
Sat 20 April 6pm Palace Norton St
Directed by Kate McGuinness
2023 | 16 | Australia | UNCL 15+
A depressed woman finds she can no longer endure life. In a desperate attempt to cure her malaise, she embarks on an expedition along Sydney’s oldest motorway.