Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Image + Nation XXVIII





Canada’s most senior LGBT film festival 
      more than a quarter-century of sharing images and stories 

 Le doyen des festivals de film LGBT au Canada
       plus d’un quart de siècle a partagé des images et des histoires

From November 26th till December 06th / Du 26 Novembre au 06 Decembre 2015   

42 screenings in 6 venues – mainly at the Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM) and Judith Jasmin Pavilion – documentary series called “Lived Lives”; feature-length fiction series called “Eye on the World” and 7 programs of short-length films. Other shorts will be screened with some of the documentaries and fictions.
42 projections dans 6 lieux principalement au Musée des beaux-arts (MBAM) et l' Pavillon Judith-Jasmin Annexe – un série documentaire intitulée «Vies Vécues»; un série de fiction long-métrage appelé «Regard sur le Monde » et 7 programmes de courts métrages. Autres courts seront projetés avec certains des documentaires et des fictions.
For more information consult program or visit / Pour plus d'informations, consulter le programme ou visitez: http://www.image-nation.org/index-eng.php


Chronicle of Films seen / Chronique de Films vus:

Below find a run-down of all the films seen at this year’s festival. If time permits a more elaborate critique (features only) will appear under the label “Film Box-Office.” They will be identified with the  I + N 2015 logo. Updates will appear on a frequent basis (hopefully once a day) so please visit frequently.
Un aperçu de tous les films vus au festival de cette année. Si le temps le permet une critique plus élabore (long-métrages seulement) apparaîtra sous l’étiquette «Film Box-office.» Ils seront identifiés avec le logo du I + N 2015. Les mises à jour apparaîtra fréquent (j’espère une fois par jour), donc veuillez visiter fréquemment.

(Last update /Dernière mis-a-jour: January 15 Janvier 2016)
Films are listed in ascending order – the most recently seen on the top
Films sont énumérés par ordre – le plus récemment vu sur le haut de la page)

After / Âpres:



Welcome to this House: A Film about Elizabeth Bishop, United States / États-Unis 2015, 79m, Barbara Hammer
Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979, in Massachusetts) was an award-winning poet and short story writer. Filmmaker Barbara Hammer takes us on a ‘cradle to grave’ journey exploring Elizabeth Bishop’s quest for love and a place she could call home. Barbara combines meticulous research with archival footage, readings from Elizabeth’s poetry and short stories including photos of her paintings and commentaries from those who knew her. This comprehensive and concise portrait reaffirms the mystique behind this iconic literary figure.
Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979, au Massachusetts) était un poète primé et auteur de nouvelles. La cinéaste Barbara Hammer nous emmène dans un voyage «du berceau à la tombe » explorant la quête d'Elizabeth Bishop pour trouver de l'amour et un endroit où elle pourrait appeler son foyer. Barbara combine une recherche méticuleuse avec des images d'archives, des lectures de la poésie et les nouvelles d'Elizabeth, y compris des photos de ses tableaux et les commentaires de ceux qui la connaissaient. Ce portrait complet et concis réaffirme la mystique derrière cette figure emblématique de la littérature.

Out to Win, Canada 2015, 103m, Malcolm Ingram
Malcolm Ingram’s latest film is a composite profiling of LGBT athletes as they recount their crucial and historically ground breaking ‘coming out’ stories. The film aims to embolden those of the current generation to boldly come out in the open and to not have to live in fear of ‘being found out.’ Many of the stories presented by the athletes themselves are those of their own personal anguish but that were ultimately triumphant. The film was well-edited and clearly brings out the complexities involved and explores the rampant homophobia and misogyny that exists in the world of professional sports.
 Le dernier film de Malcolm Ingram est un composite de profilage des athlètes LGBT alors qu’ils racontent leurs histoires cruciaux et historiquement révolutionnaire de «coming out». Le film vise à enhardir ceux de la génération actuelle de faire leur coming out avec assurance  et ouvertement  et de ne pas avoir à vivre dans la peur «d'être découvert. » Beaucoup d'histoires présentées par les athlètes eux-mêmes sont ceux de leur propre angoisse, mais qu’ils sont finalement triomphante. Le film a été bien édité et clairement fait ressortir la complexité et explore l'homophobie et la misogynie rampante qui existe dans le monde du sport professionnel.

During / Au Cours de:

Ville-Marie, Canada 2015, 99m, Guy Édoin
A multifaceted, complex drama with an ensemble cast.  The lives of four emotionally damaged individuals – a European actress (Sophie Bernard) in town shooting a movie; her gay son (Thomas) who wants to know the identity of his father; a paramedic (Pierre) dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome; and an emergency room nurse (Marie) dealing with the loss of her son) –  will intersect on one dark Montreal night. Not only will they deal with past traumas but also those of the present. Sophie wants to use the opportunity to reconcile with her son. Marie copes by working double shifts.
Un drame complexe à multiples facettes avec un casting d’ensemble. Les vies de quatre individus émotionnellement endommagés une actrice Européenne (Sophie Bernard) en ville pour un tournage; son fils gay (Thomas) qui veut connaître l'identité de son père; un ambulancier (Pierre) qui faire face au  syndrome de stress post-traumatique; et une infirmière de salle d'urgence (Marie) qui faire face à la perte de son fils) croisera sur un nuit de Montréal sombre. Non seulement vont-ils faire face avec leurs traumatismes du passé, mais aussi ceux du présent. Sophie veut profiter de l'occasion afin de se réconcilier avec son fils. Marie fait face en travaillant des double horaires.

Raymond Gravel : Un Sacré Curé, Canada 2015, 53m, Patrick Brunette
Raymond Gravel (1952-2014) was a controversial Catholic priest and also a Member of Parliament (2006-2008). In his youth, he worked as a prostitute to pay for his drugs. In 1982, he entered the seminary and became a priest. He quickly realized that many of the church’s precepts did not apply to today’s changing world. His final wish, before he succumbed to cancer, was to have a meeting with Pope Francis the 1st to plead for the rights of the poor and the homosexuals. In parts of the film, archival footage was superimposed on the pews of a church.
Raymond Gravel (1952-2014) était un prêtre Catholique controversé et aussi un membre du Parlement (2006-2008). Dans sa jeunesse, il a travaillé comme prostituée pour payer ses drogues. En 1982, il entra au séminaire et est devenu un prêtre. Il a rapidement réalisé que beaucoup des préceptes de l'Église ne pas appliquer au monde changeant d'aujourd'hui. Son dernier souhait, avant qu'il ne succombe à un cancer, était d'avoir une rencontre avec le Pape François 1er à plaider pour les droits des pauvres et les homosexuels. Dans certaines parties du film, des images d'archives a été superposée sur les bancs d'une église.

Hands Untied: Looking for Gay Israeli Cinema  / Les Mains Déliées : À la Recherche du Cinéma Israélien, France 2015, 63m, Yannick Delhaye
This well-researched documentary takes a fascinating look at the development of LGBT cinema in the state of Israel from the late 1970s till now. Today, Israeli gays and lesbians can openly express themselves in their art. Many of the films released in the past decade, such as those of Eytan Fox, are box-office hits. Much of this liberty is due to the fact that Tel Aviv is considered the third best gay-friendly city (after Paris and New York). The film not only explores the role of Tel Aviv but also that of the army and Israel’s political situation.
Ce documentaire bien recherché prend un regard fascinant sur le développement du cinéma LGBT de l'État d'Israël à partir de la fin des années 1970 jusqu'à maintenant. Aujourd'hui, les gays et lesbiennes israéliens peuvent ouvertement s’exprimer leur art. Plusieurs des films sortis dans la dernière décennie, tels que ceux d’Eytan Fox, sont du box-office. Une grande partie de cette liberté est due au fait que Tel Aviv est considérée comme la troisième ville (après Paris et New York) pour son niveau d’ouverture a l’homosexualité. Le film explore non seulement le rôle de Tel-Aviv, mais aussi celle de l'armée et de la situation politique d'Israël.

Noam, Israel / Israël 2015, 15m, Boaz Foster
When 16-year-old Noam auditions for the role of Romeo in a school play, despite the disapproval of his parents, he discovers his first love with Shay who is also auditioning for the part.
Lorsque Noam (16 ans) auditionne pour le rôle de Roméo dans une pièce de théâtre à son école, malgré la désapprobation de ses parents, il découvre son premier amour avec Shay qui,  également, auditionne  pour le rôle.

Longing, Israel / Israël 2015, 21m, Nadav Mishali
Mishal, a young religious woman, struggles with her husband Meir’s, a Yeshiva student, absence and lack of intimacy between them.
Mishal, une jeune femme religieuse, se bat avec l'absence et le manque d'intimité entre eux de la par de son mari Meir, un étudiant de Yeshiva.

That’s Not Us, United States / États-Unis 2015, 97m, William Sullivan
Three New York couples – one gay, one lesbian and one straight – are off to an end-of-the-season beach house vacation to enjoy a splendid weekend frolicking at its pristine white sandy beaches, playing whiskey-fueled card games and romance. Alex and Jackie, together for seven years, are struggling to renew the excitement between them. James and Spencer have just moved in together, but the future of their relationship is uncertain. Spencer has been accepted to grad school. Dougie and Liz are so in love that they can’t keep their hands off each other but how well do they know each other?
Trois couples de New York un gay, un lesbienne et un hétéro prend un séjour de fin de saison en bordure de la plage pour profiter d'un week-end magnifique en folâtrent sur ses plages de sable blanc immaculées, jouer à des jeux de cartes whisky-alimenté et de romance. Alex et Jackie, ensemble depuis sept ans, ont du mal à renouveler l'excitation entre eux. James et Spencer viennent d'emménager ensemble, mais l'avenir de leur relation est incertain. Spencer a été accepté à un programme d’études supérieures. Dougie et Liz sont tellement en amour qu'ils ne peuvent pas garder leurs mains de un sur l'autre, mais est-ce-que ils ce connaisse?

Twitch, Canada 2015, 5m, Jules de Niverville
This experimental performance video combining dance, contortion and acrobatics is an ode to overcoming dark energies from within us, confronting fear and reaching the goal of self-acceptance.
Cette vidéo de la performance expérimentale combinant la danse, le contorsion et l'acrobatie est une ode à surmonter les énergies sombres de l'intérieur de nous, face à la peur et d’atteindre l'objectif de l'acceptation de soi.

Golden, Germany / Allemagne 2015, 3m, Kai Stänicke
A reflexive film on the acceptance of being different – first by one’s self and then by others.
Un film réflexif sur l'acceptation d'être différent en premier par soi-même, puis âpres par d'autres.

Before / Avant: 

The Future Perfect, Canada 2014, 12m, Nick Citton
A time traveller sent into the past only to observe, breaks protocol and learns a terrible secret.
Un voyageur dans le temps envoyé dans le passé que pour observer, rompt le protocole et apprend un secret terrible.



Thursday, 26 November 2015

Les Sommets du Cinéma d’Animation 2015





reviews by Nancy Snipper


Genius of animation and poignant messages within these powerful films

I had the pleasure of watching several shorts that showcased in this international festival that features 135 films from all over the world.  Each of these films – some in 3D and 2D – brought to life creations brimming with originality and power.

 In The Master, a sweet dachshund dog has to endure the home wrecking of a chimpanzee who escapes from his small cage. The owner of these two animals is nowhere to be found. The ending is devastating. This dark film was directed by the “mastermind” Riho Unt from Estonia.

 The Race was an exceptional film that ingeniously presented the myriad of ways that circular forms are used and incorporated into people’s lives: clocks, machines, telescopes, games, religious events and symbols and so much more created a visually compelling kaleidoscope of forms which seemed to meld into one another. This black and white masterpiece was directed by Michael Le Meur from France.

The stunning music of Arvo Part was used in Squame. Directed by Nicolas Brault, the film cleverly showed marbleized fragments of forms imploding and exploding into forms that coalesced and emanated from the human body.

Marzavan by Vergine Keaton was a touching stop animation short about retracing a woman’s heritage as she returns to her roots in Armenia. She is Greek Armenian in search of her past. As a displaced person, traveling over mountains and into valleys, she finally revisits her home and sees her mom rocking her in the cradles where she sleeps. Touching with appropriate pathos that visually translated into tonal shades of brown and grey, this 9-minute film made a big statement.

Auto Portraits was so humorous. A car is singing Que Sera sera. She ahs a filmay and soon cars start multiplying until no more oil is left in the world, and they end of in the trash heap. This film is Oscar winning.


The opening film was the astounding feature The Magic Mountain– directed by Romanian genius, Anca Damian. Using layering and 3D and 2D multi-media techniques, the film vividly recounts the story of Adam Jacek Winkler, an amazing Polish climber intent on saving the world from Russians. He was only two years old when he lost his family during the 1940 Katyn Massacre perpetrated by the Communist Red Army. Determined to go to Afghanistan to fight with the Mujahieen, he embarks on a treacherous journey through France. His gola is fraught with perilous situations which on more than one occasion he nearly loses his life. The incredible aspect to the story was how the director showed the life of the brave Afghani fighters raging against the weather’s harsh elements, hiding in caves, starving and yet successfully beating the Russians in a long protracted war. We see this and hear it via Winkler (voice narration in French by Crisope Miossec). 


Ms. Damian even traveled to Afghanistan to do research. She was able to show 50 years of this period in history and the role the hero played in it. It goes all the way up to 2001. This is a multi-award-winning feature that is poignant and the visuals are amazing.

 

Piano was one of my favourite shorts. A sexy woman is trying to move her piano down the sidewalk towards her apartment. She slinks, she does contortions to move it, she even strides it. Meanwhile the janitor of the building where she lives is called down to an old woman’s apartment to unblock the kitchen sink. The old woman is sweet on him, as we see her offering him a heart-shaped cookie. We follow him into his own apartment to see he has stacks of these cookies. He finally musters the courage to bring her flowers and ask her out, but she has slipped on some spilled olive oil and appears to be dead. The piano lady has tried to open the old lady’s sliding glass door and gets her hand caught. Everything seems to be chaos until the piano on the sidewalk starts playing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”, and everyone is revived. There are many other humorous details in this film that truly make this  gem  – directed by  Kaspar Jancis – a force in the genre, proving once again, the Estonia’s animators are leaders in animation.



Difficult to follow any story line, the next two films are left to your own imagination for interpretation.
Via Curiel 8, by children’s book illustrator, Mara Cerri, takes us from the real to the unreal. A woman walking up her apartment stairs bumps into a man. She enters her room full of toys from childhood. The man hides under the stairs and she seems to peek into his life – both now children who met at school. Taken from the book with the same title that introduces these two characters, Dario and Emma, the film uses more than 4000 drawings, painted in acrylic on paper – which have been shown in a traveling exhibition in Italy.
San Laszlo contro Santa Maria Egiziaca, directed by Magada Guidi is a fun short featuring a crazy guy wearing a yellow sombrero who dances to the music on the radio. He battles demons, a rock star, a snake, meets Jesus and even manages to walk on water. Inept gods and weird monsters add sassy punch to this humorous piece of animation.

Three little gems: When the Day Breaks (Wendy Tilby, Amanda Forbis): a lady pig witnesses a car accident which compels her to seek comfort in her daily life in the city outside. Amusing and touching. Le Hérisson dans le Brouillard (Youri Norstein) has a Chagall-like style that takes a hedgehog into a huge fog where he meets animals that both scare and  assist him in getting his parcel of fruit leaves to a bear. It’s charming and dreamy.

The Street (Caroline leaf) is based on a short story by Mordechai Richler. A selfish boy who shares a room with his sister wants his own bedroom and is waiting for his grand mom to die to he can take her room. But when she does, he has no desire to move in. A glimpse into an aspect of Jewish life in the Montreal area of Esplanade Street where Jews used to live.