Janáček: From the House of the Dead

Stage director Frank Castorf “might have been born to direct From the House of the Dead” (Opera Today). His gritty, visually striking adaptation brings bold modern and postmodern touches to Janáček’s masterwork without ever overshadowing the intense forward momentum of the music, conducted to dramatic perfection by Simone Young and sung by an all-star cast in Munich. Janáček adapted Dostoevsky for this powerfully compelling opera set in a Siberian prison camp, full of starkly contrasting moods and motifs, unusual in its episodic structure. The last opera Janáček ever composed, its third act was on his desk when he died in 1928; attempts by his students to “complete” his orchestration have largely fallen away over the decades in favor of the original version. Despite the grimness of the setting and the brutality of several characters, the composer’s compassion shines through in tender moments, movingly illustrating his motto for the work: “in every creature, a spark of God.”

On A Desolate Road

Three low-level amateur thieves, Ricky, Dom and Ralph, steal five-million dollars from a dangerous mob-boss, Tony Farkas, and his deadly hitmen. It's only once they are finally successful and return to their hideout safely, that everything spirals. Everyone wants it all for themselves.

Three Mirrors Creature's Flashes of Flesh

In the aftermath of an emotional shock, a ruthless high-class manager faces her own abyss, becomes pervaded by a sensory spirit and undertakes a purifying voyage.

You Only Live Once

Based partially on the story of Bonnie and Clyde, Eddie Taylor is an ex-convict who cannot get a break after being released from prison. When he is framed for murder, Taylor is forced to flee with his wife Joan Graham and baby. While escaping prison after being sentenced to death, Taylor becomes a real murderer, condemning himself and Joan to a life of crime and death on the road.

Brotherly Love

Oscar, a tough guard at Newberry Prison, gets into an argument with Jerry, a smallish barber. He causes Jerry to be arrested as a fugitive, and gets him sent to Newberry. It's not long before both men fall in love with Mary, the daughter of the warden. Oscar gets Jerry put on the prison football team, where he is the smallest guy there, figuring that he will look like a fool in front of Mary and then she will pick Oscar. However, things don't turn out quite the way Oscar planned.

The 9,009 Lives of a Cocaine God

A writer battles addiction, exploring its impact on families. Torn between love and relentless cravings, he lives harrowing lives until realizing self-love is key to break the cycle.

ג'וקר

A criminal from south Tel-Aviv is released from prison to a new reality, his girlfriend left him for his mafia's boss, and his friends think he's an informer.

ពន្លឺជីវិតក្រោយភាពអន្ធការ

Under the heavy shadow of Cambodia’s past, two young women’s unbreakable bond is tested when one disappears into a world of exploitation, forcing the other to confront the depths of loyalty and the price of redemption.

All That Glitters

A reserved student gets thrown into the mysterious drug culture hidden beneath his high school.

The Beldon Case

A dream induced by the intrusive thoughts of a cost-of-living sufferer.

Forfeit

An armored car guard's elaborate plan for revenge is threatened by his relationship with an old friend -- a brilliant and unpredictable television preacher.

Silent as the Grave

A relentless documentary filmmaker struggles to unravel the mystery of his uncle's death as an unknown adversary threatens to destroy the project and his family.

Portion

A journey of self-awareness, addressing premature judgments and redemption.

Chained Heat 2

An American tourist lands in a Slavic prison run by a twisted woman and the U.S. ambassador.

Down Time

Slim Williams, a small-time dealer, is poised to make his big score with his partner Paulie. But the easy deal becomes a nightmare when Slim is caught in deadly police sting and ends up in a maximum-security penitentiary. Sold out by his partner, Slim is forced to learn the rules of survival behind bars - forget what you know. Inside these walls, there are no laws.

Wire

A troubled loner longing for purpose finds it when a phone call gone wrong puts him on the scent of a mysterious woman’s murder.

Quartet

When her husband's arrest leaves her penniless, a woman accepts an invitation to move in with a strange couple.

Small Engine Repair

The seemingly casual reunion of three old friends at an out-of-the-way repair shop masks a hidden agenda fuelled by the arrival of a privileged young yuppie.

When buying a Fine Murder

Hell on Devil's Island

An ex-con from Devil's Island enlists the support of the governor's daughter in exposing a prison mining operation.