IDFA docs join HBO Europe line-up

HBO Europe has unveiled its documentary line-up for 2017/18, including three shows selected for the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).

Hanka Kastelicova

The Other Side of Everything, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this year, is directed by Serbia’s Mila Turajlić, who explores politics with her mother.

It has also been selected for the festival’s Camera in Focus programme, which celebrates films of high cinematographic quality.

Other shows selected for IDFA, which runs until November 26, include Ethiopiques – Revolt of the Soul, from Poland’s Maciej Bochniak. It explores the rise of a genre of music known as Ethio-jazz, while Lukáš Kokeš’s Nothing Like Before follows teenagers living on the Czech-German border.

A special retrospective screening of Alexander Nanau’s Toto & His Sisters will also be aired as part of the festival’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Hanka Kastelicova, HBO Europe’s VP and executive producer for docs, said: “Central and Eastern Europe has a big documentary tradition and many gifted filmmakers, and our current slate and recent successes reflect the enviable talent that the region has to offer.

“At HBO Europe, we’re open to innovative ideas, we care for modern storytelling and we aim for high production values. This, along with a lot of love, hard work and dedication, has resulted in a line-up of films that will provoke, inspire and entertain audiences in the region and beyond.”