Like a Heartbeat Drives You Mad
Challenging, troubling, uneasy – that’s what love can be. Stories of disapproving parents, difficult love and traumatic break-ups are all part of life in this selection of films from around the world, which explore the dark side of love in romantic and familial relationships.
Programmed by Aga Baranowska | Total running time 109min
Films in this programme
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Lice
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Retouch
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Slap Happy
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The Full Story
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Family Happiness
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Goddess
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British by the Grace of God
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In White
Film 1
Lice
Kinim
Ela and her mum have a quiet night at home until Ela’s father stops by their house without warning.
Dir Daniel Wiesmen. Israel 2016. 10min
Gallery
Film 2
Retouch
Maryam’s average morning takes an unexpected turn when her husband decides to exercise at home. Suddenly, she is faced with a life-changing decision.
Dir Kaveh Mazaheri. Iran 2017. 20min
Gallery
Film 3
Slap Happy
A couple constantly push the line between being comfortable with and abusive towards each other, resulting in an unexpected outcome.
Dir Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Dusty Mancinelli. Canada 2017. 11min
Gallery
Festival guests
These members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the festival:
- Dusty Mancinelli, Director; Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Director
See the full list of visiting festival guests. Please note that we can't guarantee guest attendance at any particular screening.
Film 4
The Full Story
Memories of a father’s affair, family break-up and sibling rivalry come back full force in this life-size animation from Oscar®-nominated and BAFTA-winning director, Daisy Jacobs.
Dir Daisy Jacobs. UK 2017. 8min
Gallery
Festival guests
These members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the festival:
- Daisy Jacobs, Director; Christopher Wilder, Co-Director
See the full list of visiting festival guests. Please note that we can't guarantee guest attendance at any particular screening.
Film 5
Family Happiness
A portrait of two siblings and their bond as they explore painful childhood memories, unhappy relationships and the complexities of adult life. Featuring Ben Whishaw and Alice Englert.
Dir Alice Englert. Australia 2016. 15min
Gallery
Film 6
Goddess
Devi
Rebellious young Tara flirts with her maid Devi. Faced with contemporary India’s strict social norms, their attraction redefines who they both are.
Dir Karishma Dube. India-USA 2016. 13min
Gallery
Festival guests
These members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the festival:
- Karishma Dube, Director
See the full list of visiting festival guests. Please note that we can't guarantee guest attendance at any particular screening.
Film 7
British by the Grace of God
Middle-aged Irene doesn’t have an easy life with her emotionally cold husband and reclusive son. Still she tries to make the best of her situation. Featuring Kate Dickie.
Dir Sean Robert Dunn. UK-USA-UAE 2017. 16min
Gallery
Festival guests
These members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the festival:
- Sean Dunn, Director
See the full list of visiting festival guests. Please note that we can't guarantee guest attendance at any particular screening.
Film 8
In White
Bil Abyad
Lara returns to Beirut for her father’s funeral to find her controlling mother displeased with her love and life choices.
Dir Dania Bdeir. Lebanon 2017. 16min
Gallery
Festival guests
These members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the festival:
- Dania Bdeir, Director; Maria Achkar, Cast
See the full list of visiting festival guests. Please note that we can't guarantee guest attendance at any particular screening.
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Trailers and clips
A taste of what’s to come in the 65th BFI London Film Festival.
Watch clips and trailers