Washingtonia

Washingtonia starts when the giraffe's heart can no longer be heard. Washingtonia is an alternative name for Athens, a place where people, like animals, fall into summertime sadness because of the heat. Washingtonia is the only palm tree whose heart is not devoured by the red beetle. Because its heart is small and dry and no one likes small and dry hearts.

Directed by Konstantina Kotzamani, Washingtonia leans on a strong ensemble — Mamadou Diallo, Eftyhia Stefanidou, Katerina Iliadi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2014.