8 (2008)
A landmark anthology film uniting eight visionary directors to confront the world's most urgent challenges through eight powerful short films.
8 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 8
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Gael García Bernal, Gus Van Sant et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Icelandic, French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 23, 2008 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: The Story of Penshin Beka (US)
- Production Companies: Green Sky Films, LDM Productions, Ace and Company, Mediascreen
- Production Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
8 - Plot
8 shorts centered around 8 themes directed by 8 famous film directors involved and sharing their opinion on progress, on the set-backs and the challenges our planet faces today.
8 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the vision behind this remarkable collaborative film:
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8 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gael García Bernal
- Gus Van Sant
- Wim Wenders
- Jane Campion
- Mira Nair
- Abderrahmane Sissako
- Jan Kounen
- Gaspar Noé
Main Cast
- Nigist Anteneh
- Tefera Gizaw
- Fekadu Kebede
- Ingvar E. Sigurðsson
- Hringur Ingvarsson
- Dieudonné Ilboudo
- Konkona Sen Sharma
- Ranvir Shorey
- Birsa Chatterjee
- Alice Englert
Writers
- Régine Abadia
- Erin Dignam
- Jane Campion
- Gael García Bernal
- Gaspar Noé
Producers
- Jean-Marc Sabet
- Ami Boghani
- Marc Obéron
- Marc Joory
- Michel Merkt
8 - FAQs
What is 8 about?
8 is an anthology film made up of eight short films, each helmed by a different world-renowned director. Together they tackle urgent global themes — environmental crisis, inequality, disease, and human resilience — offering a mosaic of perspectives on the challenges facing our planet today.
Which directors contributed segments to 8?
The film brings together an extraordinary lineup: Gael García Bernal, Gus Van Sant, Wim Wenders, Jane Campion, Mira Nair, Abderrahmane Sissako, Jan Kounen, and Gaspar Noé. Each director contributed one short film, making 8 a rare collaborative statement from some of cinema's most distinctive voices.
What themes does each segment explore in 8?
Each of the eight segments tackles a distinct global concern — from water scarcity and AIDS to education and social inequality. Jane Campion's segment imagines a near-future drought, while Mira Nair explores communal tension in India. Together they form a powerful, wide-ranging portrait of the world's most pressing issues.
Is 8 worth watching for fans of world cinema?
Absolutely. If you love international cinema, 8 is a genuine treat — it's essentially eight films in one, each with a completely different visual style and cultural setting. The caliber of directors involved is remarkable, and the anthology format means there's something thought-provoking for every kind of viewer.
Who are the main cast members in 8?
The cast spans continents and cultures, reflecting the film's global scope. Highlights include Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey in the Indian segment, Ingvar E. Sigurðsson in the Icelandic story, and a young Alice Englert in Jane Campion's water-themed short. Each segment features its own distinct ensemble.
What is Jane Campion's segment in 8 about?
Jane Campion's segment, “The Water Diary,” is set in a near-future Australia ravaged by drought. Told through the eyes of a young girl named Ziggy (played by Alice Englert), it's a quietly haunting story about environmental loss, family, and the fragility of the natural world — very much in Campion's signature intimate style.
Where was 8 filmed and when was it released?
Given its anthology nature, 8 was shot across multiple countries to match each director's story — from Ethiopia and Iceland to India and Australia. The film had its premiere on October 23, 2008, in Italy, and was produced across France, Germany, and Switzerland.
What are similar films to 8?
If 8 resonates with you, explore other anthology dramas like Frida (2002), Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005), or German Angst (2015). For similarly socially conscious storytelling, A Dry White Season (1989) and Iron Jawed Angels (2004) are well worth your time.
More About 8
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