Ali & Ava
United Kingdom, 2021 / 95 min / English OV with French & Dutch subt. / Drama
Ali and Ava meet and instantly feel drawn to each other. A deep connection between them starts to grow, despite Ava’s troubled past relationship and Ali’s turmoil at the breakdown of his marriage.
| Sat | 12/03 | 19:00 | Cinémathèque | ENG OV with FR/NL subt | Public | https://luxfilmfestfilms.megatix.be/en/HO00004374?locationFilters=LFFCI&dateTime... |
“Barnard’s film is an essay in acceptance and love.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 11/7/2021
“Ali & Ava is Clio Bernard’s most welcoming film so far, spearheaded by two soulful, likeable performances. Rushbrook anchors it all as the big-hearted Ava, while Akhtar’s jovial vibes and ready zingers soften a lingering melancholy that Barnard eventually dispels altogether in a big hug of a finale. It’s cheesy, sure, but it’ll leave you with a spring in your step.” Phil de Semlyen, Time Out, 11/7/2021
“The glow of love makes this a very beautiful watch.” Fionnuala Halligan, Screendaily, 11/7/2021
“Clio Barnard's film is an atypical romantic tale set in Bradford that is full of song and features a standout performance by Adeel Akhtar” Kaleem Aftab, Cineuropa, 15/7/2021
“The performances make this worthwhile. Lovely, intimate cinematography by upcoming DP Ole Bratt Birkeland is a strong technical element, as is a bright, eclectic soundtrack that might persuade some that electronic dance music can be romantic.” Leslie Felperin, Hollywood Reporter, 23/9/2021
“All in all, Ali & Ava is a charmer: Barnard’s most accessible and hopeful film to date.” Anna Smith, Deadline, 11/7/2021
- Best actor (Adeel Akhtar) British Independent Film Awards, 2021 (United Kingdom)
- Best music, British Independent Film Awards, 2021 (United Kingdom)
- Narrative & Animated Feature Winner, ReFrame, 2021 (Canada)
Clio Barnard was born in Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. She is a director and producer, known for The Arbor (2010) and Dark River (2017). In 2013 she was hailed as a significant new voice in British cinema for her film The Selfish Giant, which premiered in the Director's Fortnight section of the Cannes film festival.
- 2021 – Ali & Ava
- 2017 – Dark River
- 2013 - The Selfish Giant
- 2010 – The Arbor (Documentaire / Documentary / Dokumentarfilm)
- 2006 – Dark Glass (short) 2003 – Flood (short)
- 2003 – Flood (short)
- 2002 – Random Acts of Intimacy (TV Short)
- 2000 – Lambeth Marsh (Short) (Documentaire / Documentary / Dokumentarfilm)