Arie Esiri
Director
Nigeria
Voted for
| Film | Year | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Yi Yi | 1999 | Edward Yang |
| Bicycle Thieves | 1948 | Vittorio De Sica |
| Miracolo a Milano | 1951 | Vittorio De Sica |
| A Separation | 2011 | Asghar Farhadi |
| Taste of Cherry | 1997 | Abbas Kiarostami |
| Daratt | 2006 | Mahamat-Saleh Haroun |
| Losing Ground | 1982 | Kathleen Collins |
| La notte | 1961 | Michelangelo Antonioni |
| Jean de Florette | 1986 | Claude Berri |
| In the Mood for Love | 2000 | Wong Kar Wai |
Comments
Yi Yi
This film is life as most know it.
Like Yang Yang, my first camera (given to me by my father) was also the Olympus LT-Zoom 105.
Bicycle Thieves
This film was the beginning of the rest of my life. Growing up on Blockbusters with no immediate access to or awareness of independent cinema, it was a marvel to me that I could feel involved in the lives of people from another time and place, with seemingly very little plot.
Miracolo a Milano
After discovering Bicycle Thieves, this was the next Vittorio De Sica movie I watched. I discovered social realism and magical realism in the space of a month and cemented the conviction I had to make movies.
A Separation
I remember coming to the end of this movie and thinking I understood Farsi. I've not since felt this level of involvement in the lives of characters on screen. It was like Bicycle Thieves all over again but in 3D.
Taste of Cherry
I was told Roger Ebert dubbed this 'the most boring film ever made' right before walking into the film. I braced myself and was slowly disarmed by the majesty of the movie.
Daratt
Social Realism came home to roost with this one. It was wonderful to see a film with similar influences to mine finally taking place in an environment and with faces that were familiar to me.
Losing Ground
A tragically hidden independent triumph and a hallmark of films by writers.
La notte
I first watched this film in a class on de-dramatization and I fell asleep. Then, when I was ready to receive it, I rewatched the film and it is a lesson each time.
Jean de Florette
I watched these films back to back at the age of 10 and I remember everything about the experience. It was the first time I felt the power of cinema.
In the Mood for Love
The most romantic film ever made and an endless source of inspiration.
Further remarks
Manon Des Source (1986)
I watched these films back to back at the age of 10 and I remember everything about the experience. It was the first time I felt the power of cinema.
These are the films that have meant the most to me.