Julia Ducournau is at the height of her powers – modern, radical, visually stunning. Her films are uncompromising and at the same time deeply human. The Paris-raised director rejects pigeonholing, including in gender issues, and defines herself first and foremost as a human being. Consciously turning away from the male gaze, she questions existing binary orders and structures. Her intimate body horror works revolve around adolescent fantasies, sexual awakening and gender discourse. Her often lonely characters suffer, act extremely, cruelly, unpredictably – and are equally capable of hatred and love. In order to find themselves, they must feel their bodies, whatever the cost.

His films defy categorisation and are always full of surprises. Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho tirelessly explores his homeland – life under capitalism, global political developments and a resurgent, toxic colonialism. A trained journalist and former film critic, he is a keen observer. He takes his time with his screenplays and seeks connections between the private and the social in cinema.