RITA DI SANTO assesses the winners of the most politically charged festival to date
Latest editorial
Skin-deep significance
MARIA DUARTE recommends a hard-hitting film on how a white supremacist sees the error of his ways
KATARZYNA KOSMALA introduces a retrospective by one of the most significant figures in contemporary US photography
MAYER WAKEFIELD is entertained but let down by an audacious production that, sadly, doesn't ring true
MARY CONWAY is disappointed by drama that, despite accomplished performances, cannot overcome an unfocused script
New releases from Sam Carter, Spell Songs and Les Thomas
Skin (15)
Directed by Guy Nattiv
THIS powerful debut feature by Guy Nattiv is inspired by the real-life story of how Bryon Widner, a former American neonazi racist skinhead, transforms his life by turning his back on hatred and violence.
The film-maker reportedly spent some five years unsuccessfully trying to finance his film but then Donald Trump was elected president and Charlottesville happened — both giving legitimacy and a rising voice to white supremacists.
An almost unrecognisable Jamie Bell gives a stellar and disturbing performance as the tattooed Widner. Raised by racist skinheads, he’s saved by the love of his wife and family and black activist Daryle Jenkins (Mike Colter).
Similar stories
MARIA DUARTE recommends a remarkable study of the friendship between a Palestinian and a Pakistani, broken by a hostile state
ANGUS REID, ANDY HEDGECOCK and MARIA DUARTE review On The Sea, A Useful Ghost, Brunello: The Gracious Visionary, and Pinocchio Unstrung
ANDY HEDGECOCK, MARIA DUARTE and ANGUS REID review Synthetic Sincerity, Our Hero, Balthazar, Heartstopper Forever, and A Year In London
ANGUS REID recommends a very unusual documentary: a love story between two disillusioned journalists