World Cinema: Around the World in 80 Films

I've sais before: the lure of the unknown is what attracts people to seek out world cinema. Discovering new places and new people is intoxicating, and the thrill of it can often be replicated in cinema, and what keeps us seeking it out.

Not all of us can make the journey in reality, but we can still experience the wonders nonetheless. With that in mind, I decided I'd shake up the column a bit and introduce a new section.

Over the next couple of weeks, I thought I'd take you all on a once in a lifetime round-the-world trip, visiting every continent and making hundreds of emotional connections with places and people, all via the medium of film. And if you're thinking this is corny bullshit, well then you may be right, but if any of you have ever been inspired to visit a place after seeing it on screen, then I hope this list adds a few more destinations...

Europe

Britain

Start your journey in London, Britain, and what better way to celebrate the city than a return to its swinging past, with 60s classic Blowup, in which a fashion photographer (David Hemmings) believes he may have accidentally snapped a murder. The film has mimes playing tennis and counts both The Conversation and bizarrely Enemy Of The State as sort-of remakes...

France

Then hop over the channel to France, where Gallic filmmaking's long tradition stretches back to the earliest days of cinema. In honour of our own globetrotting endeavour, watch the reclusive Chris Marker's Sans Soleil, a continent spanning treatise on memory and time. I once saw this film in a Sydney gallery, where I also found out that Chris Marker was apparently a member of the French Resistance.

Germany

Moving into Germany, we can celebrate the fact that Bavarian regional film funder, FimFernsehFondsBayern, has increased its financial commitment to German film by watching some of its finest, the bonkers German expressionist masterpiece The Cabinet Of Dr Caligari. You probably can't visit this place in real life, and you probably shouldn't. The incredible set design is evocative of a nightmare come to life.

Sweden

Heading further north we end up in Sweden, where, in defiance of the cold, high suicide rates, and recent excellent gloomy nihilism evident in its films, I instead recommend Show Me Love, the heart warming tale of an unrequited youthful gay love. If this film doesn't have you smiling by the end, then you're probably dead inside.

Spain

For those who prefer sunnier climes, then Spain is possibly a preferred port of call. In amongst the embarrassment of cinematic riches that this country has produced, I once again draw your attention to the dynastic epic Vacas. It really is a powerful work of art.

Italy

Equally redolent in its film legacy is Italy. While justly famed for its neo-realism and spaghetti westerns, I say pay attention to the Italian giallo genre, a blend of mystery, crime and horror. Foremost here is the work of Dario Argento and my personal favourite, Bird With The Crystal Plumage.

Poland

Venturing into less visited Eastern Europe and the old Communist bloc, Poland is our next stop. The Kinoteka Film Festival is a firm fixture on the London festival circuit, and its most recent (held in March/April this year) produced a string of notable new films, including Boris Lankosz's Reverse, an aching portrait of Warsaw society old and new.

Hungary

Sticking with our former Communist buddies come good, next up is Hungary. Having paid a visit to Budapest and ridden on its tiny but awesome metro, I heartily suggest Kontroll, a black comedy about murders underground.

Greece

Sliding down the continent, Greece is the next country on our tour. Birthplace of democracy, cradle of Western civilisation and noted for its stunning monuments, it seems obvious to watch erotic comedy Safe Sex. Actually a satirical look at modern Greek culture. Or so they say.

Turkey

For all my mocking last week, it seems Turkey is quite the cinematic powerhouse. In the same vein as the Indian realist work, Berlin Golden Bear winner Susuz Yaz is a timeless tale of corruption and greed in the rural heartland.

So, 10 down and 70 to go. It's quite the odyssey, but I'll add a little each time until a film map of the world has formed. Except using words instead of actual images of countries and stuff. But you get my meaning...

In Cinemas

My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?

Not strictly World Cinema, but Werner Herzog definitely doesn't fit into Hollywood by any stretch of the imagination. Re-teaming him with Willem Defoe, this is, on the surface, a straightforward story about a man who re-enacts a play's fictional killing of a mother with a sword.

In Herzog's (and producer David Lynch's) hands, this instead becomes a classic exploration of obsession, madness and all the fun things in between.

If you're a Herzog fan, this is another solid entry in his oeuvre, and a piece which really charts the descent of a man into the darker recesses of his soul. Described variously as ‘complex' and ‘hypnotic', it is not to be missed and will surely stay with you long after.

Released 10th September

22 Bullets

I missed this last week, but if Jean Reno action thrillers are your thing (and if they aren't, why not?), then this is right up your street. Reno plays a retired mobster who goes on the rampage after being left for dead by, you guessed it, 22 bullets. In his body. Which surely hurt.

22 Bullets is out in cinemas now.

• See the growing World Cinema series