I Only Rest in the Storm (O Riso e a Faca)

After the unexplained disappearance of his predecessor, Portuguese environmental engineer Sérgio travels to Guinea-Bissau on behalf of an NGO. While investigating the construction of a massive road—paved with good intentions—he becomes entangled in a tangled relationship with both bar owner Diára and expat Gui. By deftly exposing the blind spots and privileges of the Western outsider, I Only Rest in the Storm turns a sharp eye on the stubborn excesses of globalisation and capitalism. Director-writer Pedro Pinho makes full use of the striking beauty of the country and its landscapes, lending the film both immediacy and allure. Despite its extended running time, his second feature feels energetic and urgent from beginning to end. This treacherous storm takes its time to build, but it will undoubtedly stir up debate—just as it did in Cannes, where Cleo Diára was awarded Best Actress in the Un Certain Regard competition.