The opening film of the Critics’ Picks competition, “Dreaming of Lions” from Portugal, introduces us to Gilda, who is terminally ill. Gilda's only wish is to die without pain, but that's easier said than done, as all her suicide attempts comically fail. So she decides to seek professional help and, as there are organisations for everything these days, she joins Joy Transition International, which offers training in how to die without pain. During the hilarious course, Gilda meets the younger Amadeu, who works in a funeral parlour. When the workshop doesn't deliver the promised results, they both run away to end their lives. Gifted director Paolo Marinou-Blanco, supported by a wonderful cast, presents us with a heartwarming and brilliant black comedy about the one subject we are not supposed to laugh at: death. Nikolaj Nikitin

Events website: https://poff.ee/film/lvidest-unistades