Visions du Réel in Nyon is much the same. After ten days of watching one excellent documentary after another, I feel quite saturated and declare, “That’s enough.” And yet, year after year, I return—and never regret it.

This year’s festival featured 160 films selected from 3,700 submissions, with themes ranging from family stories and the turbulence of love to the dust of empires, confronting power, and visions of the future. Choosing what to see is never easy

I must confess that my own selections were guided as much by timing as by subject—who wants to drive home late at night? Fortunately, screenings ran from 11h00 to 20h30, offering a comfortable window.

And there were real gems. My standout film was Alea Jacaranda, a gentle, reflective work built around conversations between the director and his father, who is writing a book on the jacaranda trees of Algiers—ironically described as migrants from Brazil. I won’t say more, except that the father is utterly captivating: thoughtful, witty, and deeply engaging.

I also chose films that offered glimpses into different cultures. Baby Jackfruit, Baby Guava (Vietnam/South Korea) is a family saga exploring conflict and reconciliation, while The Price of the Sun portrays a nomadic Berber tribe forced to confront displacement due to the construction of a solar park— raising difficult and timely questions

I watched the short film The Interpreter, inspired in part by my friend Claudia, who works as an interpreter. It offered a fascinating perspective on that role. She also recommended En Terre Neutre, a Swiss film exploring the idea of neutrality—revealing how widely misunderstood and variously interpreted the concept can be.

Another rewarding aspect of the festival is its support for emerging filmmakers. Dedicated sections give young directors—often still students—the opportunity to showcase their work and talent.

One could go on, but the best advice is simply to explore the excellent festival website (in both English and French), browse the descriptions, and choose what speaks to you—whether in the cinema or online.

And then there’s the social side. The outdoor seating opposite the Grand Salle is a hub of activity: a place to meet friends, encounter filmmakers, enjoy a coffee or a quick bite, exchange impressions, and share recommendations.

So next year, why not come along for Visions du Réel number 58? You might spot me—or perhaps not.