Here are the films that made the greatest impression on Berkeleyside movie writer John Seal in a year when cinema provided a much-needed distraction.

Several festival recommendations, including an excellent 21st-century spin of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ and “Murder Bury Win’ which was shot in Berkeley, El Cerrito and Mendocino.

Streaming: A solid, entertaining mystery from South Korea; and a documentary that warns about the damage done when local journalism is stifled.

A hilarious but also serious film about one of most pernicious aspects of The War on Terror; and a movie that’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the JFK assassination.

For your streaming pleasure: An overlooked gem of American independent filmmaking; an inspiring look at the National Black Political Convention; and free films from Kino Lorber.

To watch: Two horror movies starring an oozing viscous liquid, one better than the other, and a gut-wrenching Peruvian drama, beautifully shot in black and white.

To watch: One of the best — and most shocking — films of the year; the story of one of our greatest living journalists; and documenting the history of Rock Against Racism.

Shucking off those U.S. government chains and trying to create the perfect nation; and a reminder of a time when our ‘liberal’ state embraced the politics of the reactionary right.

This year’s festival (running Oct. 8-18) is making the vast majority of its high-quality programming available for streaming.

Bruce Dern and Lena Olin give terrific performances in a film about decline and dementia; while ‘Native Sun, long unseen, is now restored and available to stream.

A movie about bridge construction could be as interesting as watching paint dry. In the case of ‘Suspension,’ it’s not. Plus: Catch up on PFA’s 21st-century Romanian cinema.