GFF: The Pearl Button (El botón de nácar)

Water is the key to life and the central subject of this intensely lyrical documentary essay from Nostalgia for the Light director Patricio Guzmán. The history of Chile is defined by its long coastline, the fate of Patagonia’s nomadic Kaweskar (Water People) and the oceans that brought European colonisers to its shores. More recently, the oceans may have been a cemetery for the victims of violence who disappeared during the Pinochet regime. Brimming with restless curiosity, metaphysical musing and righteous indignation, this is a powerful work graced with stunning images from cinematographer Katell Djian.

(film also screens Tue 23 Feb, 1:30pm)