Category: International

• This Is Not a Film (2011) dir. Jafar Panahi

  February 1, 2026

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  2010s, Documentary, International, Middle Eastern

  This barebones documentary, filmed while Jafar Panahi was banned from making films by the Iranian government, is a testament to what one can do with limited resources and strict censorship.

  

• The Secret Agent (2025) dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho

  January 21, 2026

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  2020s, International, Movies at the Riv, New, South American, Thriller

  Wagner Moura proves himself as one of the finest actors working today in this subversive and darkly comedic take on the 1970s Brazilian dictatorship crackdown.

  

• Audition (1999) dir. Takashi Miike

  January 17, 2026

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  1990s, Asian, Horror, Japanese

  This influential horror film is not only grisly, but insightful as to one of the true horrors of the everyday–the fear of human connection.

  

• Battle Royale (2000) dir. Kenji Fukasaku

  January 10, 2026

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  2000s, Action, Asian, Japanese

  The father and son duo who crafted this story deserve a special award for creating one of the most accurate depictions of high school ever.