Grad Film at 2024 Berlinale

Congratulations to the Grad Film alumni and MFA candidates who premiered their films at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival!

'Demba', written and directed by alum Mamadou Dia, cinematography by alum Sheldon Chau, and edited by alum Alan Wu, is a feature film that screened in the Encounters category. The film follows the titular character, Demba, who is about to retire after 30 years of service in the city hall of his small hometown in northern Senegal. During this hot summer, as the second anniversary of his wife’s death approaches, Demba realises that he is unable to simply “shake off” her passing. But as his mental health deteriorates, he discovers a new connection with his once estranged son. Can Demba recover from his loss without losing himself?

'Goodbye First Love' is a short film by MFA candidate Shuli Huang.

"He pays him a visit in Frankfurt during his work trip to Europe. He talks about their time in Beijing, back in 2015. He listens, sometimes answers, unblurring those seemingly important details which do not matter any longer. Worn-out joy and fresh weariness. This might be the last time they meet."

Alum Martin Scorsese received the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement. 

“For anyone who considers cinema as the art of shaping a story in such a way that is both completely personal and universal, Martin Scorsese is an unmatched role model. His films have accompanied our history as spectators and human beings, his characters have lived and grown within us, his view of history and mankind has helped us to understand and question who we are and where we come from." - Berlinale