The portrayal of families has always been a central theme in cinema, one that resonates with audiences across social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, as it speaks to our most fundamental human experiences. As societal norms evolve, so too does the concept of family. Cinema, reflecting the world around it, offers a unique lens through which we can explore these shifting dynamics and different understandings of what it means to be a family.

This program aims to move beyond conventional family stories, deconstructing and presenting diverse aspects of family life. We begin with Tokyo Godfathers, a tale of bonds formed not by biology but by nurture and love, challenging the notion of a biological family in favour of a chosen one. In contrast, Festen presents a seemingly conventional nuclear family, yet its raw, unflinching approach—shot according to the Dogme 95 rules—reveals a devastating portrait of familial dysfunction and failure.

While Make Way for Tomorrow offers a gentler take, it similarly explores themes of familial neglect, portraying family ties on a deeply personal level. Both films, Festen and Make Way for Tomorrow, reflect on how family can be a site of personal emotional neglect. But, family dynamics are not shaped in isolation—they are influenced by broader socio-political conflicts, a theme explored in films like The Time That Remains and Mustang, where the personal intertwines with the political. The exploration of this interplay continues with Rosemary’s Baby, a nightmarish tale that centres on patriarchal control within the family structure.

The cycle culminates with The Godfather, a classic that examines the inescapability of family. The film portrays how family legacy, power, and prestige shape individual identity and societal standing. Similar to Tilaï, it delves into the tensions between personal duty and public image, as well as the complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice that defines a “Family Business.”

Kim Spieser