When I was asked to come up with a selection that would reflect my “preferences and tastes”, I was far from imagining how deeply each one of these films would touch me, and how collectively they reflect what I like most in storytelling. I find female friendships to be incredibly complex and powerful. In “If it ain’t broke”, “Great Istanbul depression” and “Funkele”, the filmmakers explore the strength of that bond with raw sincerity as their protagonists all find themselves at turning points in their lives. A subtle and infectious tension always captures my attention, “Blood Sweat & Tears”, “Outsiders” and “TOOTH” all had me gasping for air, successfully immersing me in their tense atmospheres. I always appreciate a short yet poignant film, “Milk” got its point across effectively with a clever use of animation. With its colorful visual aesthetic “1-1” lightens up the mood with my favorite kind of comedy, awkward situations!