Dan
November 12th
69%
New season, slightly different format. The host now provides some key commentary so I can focus on finding pictures of the film. I could not find a picture that didn't have Rachel Weiss in it! However, I know Dan's muse is really Monica so I found a picture of her too - I don't think the picture of Monica has anything to do with the film. Looking at the photos you would not say the film was dark and gritty at all!
The 2024/25 season was kicked off by Dan presenting a grim, hard hitting and thought-provoking film selected under the category ‘leading women’. The selection cleverly linked to previous films, actresses and human integrity. Starring Rachel Weisz, Monica Balucci, and Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and directed by Laryssa Kondraki, The Whistleblower portrayed in occasional harrowing detail the true story of the exposé by Nebraskan police woman Kathryn Bolkovac of the sex-trafficking of women in Bosnia after the end of the war. The film highlights the corrupt, inhumane and unforgivable involvement UN peace-keepers, police and officials, and how far large organisations will go to protect their credibility, existence and profitability. Filmed in 6 weeks in Romania, the film used hand-held cameras for many of the scenes, giving rise to more intense emotions and a weighty sense of despair at the plight of the victims. Bolkovac fights the corruption, encouraged by Dame Venssa, and ultimately exposes the corruption in the UK via the BBC. Bolkovac lost her job while none of those involved were ever held to account.
Kondraki paid Bolkovac $100 for the film rights and took 8 years to get the funding. The film made $2.2million and had minor success in terms of film awards. Weisz was lauded for her portrayal of the central character, as was the actress playing Raya, the central victim in the story, though some critics considered some scenes a little too exploitative.
Unexpectedly, Dan went the extra few miles and served up home-made Bosnian Burek, as well as the traditional French bread, Gouda cheese and pate, together with a Pino Grigio from Romania and one from California. The former was consider ‘off’ by our wine buff, the latter decidedly more palatable. Better still was the port served up after the film and which enhanced a stimulating discussion about corporate corruption, man’s inhumanity to man, and much soul-searching as to how film club members would act in Bolkovac’s situation.
Dan undertook to show. Lighter film next time around.
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