CHEVALIER

"An inspired, gorgeously photographed work of deadpan lunacy that asserts itself as a spit-take on masculine rivalries." – The Village Voice

Greek new wave star Athina Rachel Tsangari (The Capsule, MIFF 2012; Attenberg, MIFF 2011) returns to the festival with her most accomplished work to date, a bizarre and formally adventurous study of male antagonism set aboard a luxury yacht.

Marooned in an Aegean Sea harbour while their ship undergoes repairs, six men engage in a rigorous game of one-upmanship designed to determine who's the "best in general", with the prize being the coveted "chevalier" ring and macho bragging rights. The absurdity of their behaviour is keenly rendered by Tsangari and co-writer Efthymis Filippou (The Lobster, MIFF 2015), who bring an often hilariously withering perspective to this very masculine, rather silly duel of egos – one which may very well change the way you hear Minnie Riperton's Loving You forever.

Featuring acclaimed Greek actors including Vangelis Mourikis and Makis Papadimitriou (who can also be seen in Suntan, in this year's program), as well as pop star Sakis Rouvas, Chavalier won the award for Best Film at the London Film Festival.

"Ostensibly a gender send-up spoofing those of the male persuasion, the film can also be read as political commentary (see: Greece, economy) or critique of vain, self-involved, selfie-prone humanity writ large." – Filmmaker