This Is Not A Film (Iran, 2011) 

Director: Jafar Panahi
Ter says: "The more his films are banned, the more surprising and unexpected they seem to become. That’s why he’s one of the most inspiring directors. See it for yourself in this documentary."
 
 

Whiplash (USA, 2014) and La La Land (USA, 2016)  

Director: Damien Chazelle
Ter says: "Chazelle is able to turn an ordinary story into something extraordinary."
 
 

Arrival (USA, 2016) and Blade Runner 2049 (USA, 2017)  

Director: Dennis Villeneuve
Ter says: "In my opinion, Villeneuve is the best director in terms of using sound and atmosphere to astonishing effect in his storytelling, especially in these two films."
 
 

Lady Bird (USA, 2018)  

Director: Greta Gerwig
Ter says: "With Lady Bird, Gerwig has made a film that resonates with the voice and feelings of common people. She is the Woody Allen of this century."
 
 

Malila: The Farewell Flower (Thai, 2018)  

Director: Anucha Boonyawatana
Ter says: "Malila captures the love story of a gay couple in a constant and honest way. I am also impressed with other allegorial topics that Anucha chooses to feature, like Thai beliefs, the trees and the stream."