As the CIFF is drawing to a close on 22 December, there is heightened excitement about the films screened at the festival venue. On 21 December, the foreign films screened were Kiss Me Not On The Eyes from Egypt, Untold Scandal from Korea, Summer With Ghosts from Austria, Angel's Fall from Turkey, Enemy Of The People from Norway, French Twist from France, Sankranthi from Sri Lanka, Ten Canoes from Australia, The Last Porn Movie from Greece, Uncut Family from Greece, Pepot Super Star from Philippines, Hit The Bank from Poland.
As usual, the Korean film witnessed large crowds. Untold Scandal from Korea, true to its title, depicts the ways of the aristocratic families of 18th century Korea. The questionable morals, sophisticated living and entertainment characterized the lives of the aristocrats. Or so it seems. The temptress Lady Cho sets a challenge for her cad of a younger cousin. The challenge, seemingly simple, proves to be difficult later on. Lady Sook, the chaste woman has been living a life of celibacy and convictions and according to the challenge, Jo-won has to seduce and deflower her. Though a notorious womanizer, he soon gets attracted to the simple but strong woman who has lived a life of ideals. But things soon turn difficult, what with the wicked ways of Lady Cho. The film ends on a tragic note, as the notorious aristocrat and the simple woman die with broken hearts.
Angel's Fall, from Turkey, tells the story of Zeynep, a young girl, who lives with her father in a simple dwelling of Istanbul and works at a hotel. Though young, she is responsible and takes care of her home. She also puts up with her father's abusive behaviour whenever he is drunk. But she finds it tough to be battling around the same kind of rut everyday. She prays that she escapes from this mesh that she is entangled in. Mustafa, the boy who belongs to the housekeeping department, has a crush on her. He is, in fact, the only person with whom Zeynep has contacts with. Yet, she does not let him get closer to her.
In a different locale of the city stays Selcuk, a sound technician, who is wallowing with self-pity and guilt over the death of his wife. The twist in the tale begins as the suitcase that contains Selcuk's late wife's clothes is intended to change Zeynep's life in a way nobody expects.
Angel's Fall, directed by Semih Kaplanoglu, won many awards at the international arena.
