7th/e Festival International Film Black Montreal Sept 22 till / au Oct 02 2011

Formerly known as the Haitian Film Festival, the vision and goal of The Montreal International Black Film Festival is to provide a fresh look at ‘Black’ cinema from the four corners of the globe and to create a space to debate today’s major issues.
In addition to the opening and closing films: Back to Square One and I am Slave respectively, the legendary Malian film director Souleymane Cissé will receive a lifetime achievement award from writer Dany Laferrière (Tuesday September 27^th at Hôtel Gouverneur, Place Dupuis 6pm). Admission is $25.

Lastly there will be a debate-conference entitled “Fade to Black” discussing the definition, role, taboos, funding and place of black people in Quebec and Canadian cinema and television today. Admission is free (1pm N.F.B. Sunday October 3^rd).
Anciennement connu comme le Festival du Film Haïtienne, la vision et l'objectif du Festival International du Film Black de Montréal est de fournir un nouveau regard sur le cinéma « Noir » des quatre coins du globe et de créer un espace de débattre les grands enjeux d’aujourd'hui.
En plus des films d'ouverture et de clôture: ‘Case Départ ‘ et ‘Moi, Esclave’ respectivement, le légendaire réalisateur Malien Souleymane Cissé recevra le Grand Prix Hommage des mains  de l'écrivain Dany Laferrière (Mardi 27 Septembre à l'Hôtel Gouverneur, Place Dupuis 18h). L'admission est de 25$.
 Enfin il y aura une conférence-débat intitulée « Fondu au noir » discutant de la définition, le rôle, les tabous, financement  et la place des noirs dans le cinéma et de la télévision Québécois et Canadien  d’aujourd'hui. L'entrée libre (13h a l’O.N.F. Dimanche 3 Octobre).

For more info go to / Pour plus d’info aller a: http://www.montrealblackfilm.com/index.php or / ou: http://www.montrealblackfilm.com/index.php?lang=fr

(Last updated /Dernière mis-a-jour: 21 Oct. 2011
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)

Chronicle of films / Chronique des films:

Seen After :

The First Rasta, France 2011, 85m, Hélène Lee / Christophe Farnarier
An enjoyable and educational film that explores the development of the Rastafarian movement and a portrait of its founder Leonard Percival Howell (1898-1981 – preceded Bob Marley’s death by three months). The film delves into the schools of thought (and the men behind them) that led to the development of the movement and the establishment of the first community in 1939 called Pinnacle. This documentary includes interviews with current prominent Rastafarians.

Le Première Rasta, France 2011, 85m, Hélène Lee / Christophe Farnarier
Un film agréable et éducatif qui explore le développement du mouvement Rastafari et un portrait de son fondateur, Leonard Percival Howell (1898-1981 – son mort précédés celui de Bob Marley par trois mois). Le film se penche sur les écoles de pensée (et les hommes derrière eux) qui a mené au développement du mouvement et la création de la première communauté en 1939 appelé Pinnacle. Ce documentaire inclut des entrevues avec Rastafaris éminents actuel.

Seen during / Vue au cours de:

I Am Slave, United Kingdom 2010, 77m, Gabriel Range
Potentially powerful film weakened by glossing over atrocities. It is as if one would buy an expensive bottle of whiskey and serving it with mostly water. When Malia was 12, her village in the Sudan was ransacked by a pro-government Arab militia. She was abducted and sold into slavery to a woman in Khartoum. Her father, Bah, is looking for her. Six years pass by and Malia is sent to the woman’s cousin in London.
Moi, Esclave, Royaume Uni 2010, 77m, Gabriel Range
Film potentiellement puissant film affaibli en passent sous silence les atrocités. C'est comme si on achèterait une bouteille de whisky couteuse et on le sert avec beaucoup de l'eau. Lorsque Malia a 12, son village au Soudan a été saccagé par une milice progouvernementale Arabe. Elle a été enlevée et vendue comme esclave à une femme de Khartoum. Son père, Bah la cherche. Six ans passent et Malia est envoyé au cousin de la femme à Londres.

Mama Africa, Germany / South Africa / Finland 2011, 90m, Mika Johan Kaurismäki

A powerful and touching biopic of South African singer Miriam Makeba (1932-2008)of how she became the first artist to popularise African music and the reaction of the South African government who exiled her and banned her music.

Mama Africa, Allemagne / Afrique du Sud / Finlande 2011, 90m, Mika Johan Kaurismäki  
Un film biographique, puissant et touchant, de la chanteuse Sud-Africaine Miriam Makeba (1932-2008) de la façon dont elle est devenue la première artiste à populariser la musique Africaine et la réaction du gouvernement Sud-Africain qui  l’a mit en exil et ils on interdit sa musique.

Friday Night Tights, United States 2010, 4m, Joonki Park

Zach is trying to get his roommate Joonki to come and spend Friday night drinking. Joonki refuses saying he has to get up early to play soccer. When Zack leaves, in a huff, the real reason for Joonki’s refusal comes to light.
Collants du Vendredi Soir, États-Unis 2010, 4m, Joonki Park
Zach cherche à obtenir son colocataire Joonki à venir passer vendredi soir à boire. Joonki refuse de dire qu'il doit se lever tôt pour jouer au foot. Lorsque les feuilles de Zack, dans un froissée, le véritable motif de refus de Joonki vient à la lumière.
Watch this film and read Nancy Snipper’s review / regarde ce film et lire le critique de Nancy Snipper: http://smrcultureplus.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-night-tights-by-joonki-park.html

The Dreams of Elibidi, Kenya 2010, 75m, Kamau Wa Ndung’u / Nick Reding

This colourful story about a family coming to terms with HIV striking their home in the ghettos of Nairobi Kenya recounted with the right balance of humour and pathos. The method of delivery – intercutting between ‘play’ and ‘cinema’ – was original and well-executed.
Les Rêves de Elibidi, Kenya 2010, 75m, Kamau Wa Ndung’u / Nick Reding
Cette histoire colorée sur une famille venir à acceptée  le VIH quand il frappant leur domicile dans les ghettos de Nairobi au Kenya, raconté avec l'humour et le pathos en équilibre. La méthode de livraison – alterné entre «une pièce de théâtre» et «le cinéma» – a été bien exécuté et originaux.

Casting Notice, United States 2010, 18m, Marcus Thomas

Evander Bridges, a struggling actor, has just done an audition for a very important part in a major production. While waiting for their response, he receives a call for another role. When he arrives he discovers that it is for a porn film and that he would be remunerated the sum of 10,000 dollars. He faces a professional dilemma. Should he take the role and compromise his chances at becoming a professional actor?
Casting Notice, États-Unis 2010, 18m, Marcus Thomas
Evander Bridges, un acteur en difficulté, viens de faire passer une audition pour un rôle très importante dans une production majeur. En attendant leur réponse, il reçoit un appel pour un autre rôle. Quand il arrive il découvre qu'il s'agit d'un film porno et qu'il serait rémunéré la somme de 10 milles dollars. Il fait face à un dilemme professionnel. Doit-il prendre le rôle et compromettre ses chances de devenir un acteur professionnel?

Jarry Must Be Saved, France 2010, 52m, Daniel Nlandu Nganga

In Guadeloupe there is over 8,000 hectares of mangroves and swamp forests. The area known Jarry, near the Baie-Mahault is being industrialised and the eco-systems of the area are being threatened. This film examines the efforts that are being made to save the lands from destruction.
Il Faut Sauver Jarry, France 2010, 52m, Daniel Nlandu Nganga
En Guadeloupe il ya plus de 8 000 hectares de mangroves et de forêts marécageuses. La zone connue comme Jarry, près de la Baie-Mahault est en cours d’être industrialisée et les écosystèmes de la zone sont menacés. Ce film examine les efforts qui sont prise pour sauver les terres de la destruction.

In The Wind of the Factory, France2010, 52m, Anne Pitoiset / Laurent Cibien

Fascinating look at how the Yaté Kanaks are dealing with the construction of a giant mining and chemical complex in their territory located near Neumea in the south of the island of New Caledonia. The plant is intended to process the nickel ore taken from the mine nearby. The people live downwind and are divided in their reaction.
Sous le Vent de l'Usine, France2010, 52m, Anne Pitoiset / Laurent Cibien
Un film fascinant  qui examine la façon dont comment les Kanaks Yaté traitent avec la construction d'un géant minier et chimiques complexes dans leur territoire situé près de Neumea dans le sud de l'île de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. La plante est destinée à traiter le minerai de nickel de la mine à proximité. Les gens vivent sous le vent et divisée en leur réaction.

Léboue Authenticity 2011, Senegal, 52m, Omar Ndiaye

A look at the efforts of the Léboue people, who reside village of Ouakam a suburb of Dakar, to preserve their traditions and culture.
Authenticité Léboue 2011, Sénégal, 52m, Omar Ndiaye
Un regard sur les efforts du peuple Léboue, qui résident dans le village d’Ouakam une banlieue de Dakar, afin de préserver leurs traditions et leur culture.

The Gourd, Senegal 2011, 27m, Omar Ndiaye
The gourd, Africa’s cultural icon, is competing with modern day utensils for their place in the family home. This compelling and insightful film examines the many practical uses and ability to be adapted to contemporary society.

La Calebasse, Sénégal 2011, 27 m, Omar Ndiaye

La calebasse, l’icône culturelle de l'Afrique, est en concurrence avec les ustensiles modernes pour leur place dans la maison familiale. Ce film irrésistible et perspicace examine les nombreuses utilisations pratiques et la capacité à l'adapter à la société contemporaine.

The Other Haiti, Canada 2011, 13m, André Vanasse

Coffee has been a staple of Haitian economic production since colonial days but has been hurt by natural disasters and by U.S. led embargoes against the Duvaliers. This film illustrates the efforts of farmers to revive and regain control of the coffee industry. They do this by fighting deforestation and organising cooperatives.
L’Autres Haïti, Canada 2011, 13m, André Vanasse
Le café a été un aliment de base de la production économique Haïtienne depuis l'époque coloniale, mais a été blessé par des catastrophes naturelles et par les embargos  mené par les É.U. contre les Duvalier. Ce film illustre les efforts des agriculteurs de raviver et reprendre le contrôle de l'industrie du café. Ils le font en lutte contre la déforestation et l'organisation de coopératives.

Golden Scars, Canada 2010, 61m, Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier

Alain Garcia Artola and Arturo Laurence Mora (A.K.A. K-merun) are two young rappers from Santiago Cuba. This film is an intimate portrait of these two musicians sharing their personal concerns and goals.
Golden Scars, Canada 2010, 61m, Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier
Alain Garcia Artola et Arturo Laurence Mora (alias K-merun) sont deux jeunes rappeurs de Santiago de Cuba. Ce film est un portrait intime de ces deux musiciens partageant leurs préoccupations personnelles et leurs objectifs.

Vibes, France / Martinique 2009, 52m, Oliver Hocquet

‘Dancehall’ is a faster form of Reggae, originated in Jamaica, and is more digitalized. It is a social phenomenon that has been exported worldwide and has been criticised for its vulgar, explicitly violent and sexually suggestive lyrics and dance moves. This film explores how the youth in Martinique have taken dancehall to spread awareness of social issues and add an element of their traditional culture. Thus creating dance moves and rhythms that that are artistic and reflect the culture of their country.
Vibes, France / Martinique 2009, 52m, Oliver Hocquet
«Dancehall» est une forme plus rapide du Reggae, originaire de la Jamaïque et est plus numérisée. C'est un phénomène social qui a été exporté dans le monde entier et a été critiqué pour ses paroles vulgaires, explicitement violents et de mouvements de danses sexuellement suggestives. Ce film explore comment les jeunes en Martinique ont pris le dancehall pour étendre la sensibilisation des questions sociales et d'ajouter un élément de leur culture traditionnelle. Créant ainsi des mouvements de danse et des rythmes qui sont artistique et reflètent la culture de leur pays.

The Redemption of General Butt Naked, United States / Liberia / Georgia, 85m, Eric Strauss / Daniele Anastasion

Joshua Milton Blahyi was an extremely violent warlord during the Liberian civil war in the 1990s. Known as ‘General Butt Naked’ he believed that his powers were enhanced if he and the (child) soldiers under his command were naked. In 1996 he renounces his violent past and ‘converts’ to Christianity. He returns to Liberia seeking those he has victimized and requesting their forgiveness. The irony of this man was his ability to charm those whom he had victimized as a general into forgiving him regardless of the severity of his atrocities.

La Rédemption Du Général Butt Naked, États-Unis / Libéria / Géorgie, 85m, Eric Strauss / Daniele Anastasion
Joshua Milton Blahyi était un seigneur de guerre extrêmement violente durant la guerre civile au Libéria dans les années 1990. Connu comme 'Général Butt Naked' il croyait que ses pouvoirs ont été accrue si lui est ses (enfants) soldats qu’il  commandait  étaient nus. En 1996, il renonce à son passé violent et se «convertit» au Christianisme. Il retourne au Libéria en cherchant ceux qu'il a victimisé et les demandait leur pardon. L'ironie de cet homme était sa capacité à séduire ceux qu'il avait pris pour cible comme un général en lui pardonné indépendamment de la gravité de ses atrocités.

Shouters and the Control Freak Empire, South Africa 2010, 28m, Oyetayo Raymonde Ojoade / Onwubiko Agozino

In 1917, Trinidad and Tobago passed the ‘Shouter Prohibition Ordinance’ that made it criminal for the Spiritual or Shouter Baptists to practice their faith. It was repealed in 1951. This film examines the effect of the ordinance and the reaction of the faithful to it. Engenders the question “who are the real criminals”.
Crieurs et  l’Empire Obsédé du Contrôle, Afrique du Sud 2010, 28m, Oyetayo Raymonde Ojoade / Onwubiko Agozino
En 1917, Trinidad et Tobago adopté « l’ordonnance  d’interdiction des shouters» qui rendait criminelle pour les Baptistes  Spirituel ou Shouter à la pratique de leur foi. Il a été abrogé en 1951. Ce film porte sur l'effet de l'ordonnance et la réaction des fidèles qu'elle. Engendre la question «qui sont les vrais criminels. »

<The two films below presented the topic of Albinos from the two sides of the same coin>

< Les deux films ci-dessous présente le sujet des Albinos partir les deux côtés d'une même pièce >
Kina, Burkina Faso 2010, 26m, Sounkalo Dao
Sakinatu Djeneba Ouedraogo is an outgoing and cheerful four-year-old girl. She calls Malian singer Salif Keita ‘grandpa’ and she is one of his biggest fans. Why? Because like him she is an albino.
Kina, Burkina Faso 2010, 26m, Sounkalo Dao
Sakinatu Djeneba Ouedraogo est une fille de quatre ans ouverte et de bonne humeur. Elle appelle chanteur Malien Salif Keita «grand-père» et elle est l'une de ses plus grands fans. Pourquoi? Car comme lui, elle est un albinos.

Black and Also White – The Massacre of African Albinos, Canada 2010, 65m, Jean-François Méant

Tanzania has the highest concentration of albinism (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002450/) (one out of every 4,000) in the world.
This film investigates reports that many albinos (mainly children) are being brutally massacred and their limbs cut off and sold in the notion that they possess the power of healing. The film follows the efforts of NGO to place those under threat in a safer environment.  Contains extremely horrendous and gruesome images.
Noir et aussi blanc – le Massacre des Albinos Africains, Canada 2010, 65 m, Jean-François Méant Tanzanie a la plus forte concentration d'albinisme (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002450/) (un sur 4 000) dans le monde. Ce film fait enquête sur les rapports que nombreux albinos (principalement les enfants) sont sauvagement massacrées et leurs membres coupées et vendu dans l'idée qu'ils possèdent le pouvoir de guérir. Le film suit les efforts des ONG à placer ceux sous la menace dans un environnement plus sécuritaire.  Contient des images extrêmement horribles et cruelles.

Nobody Knows Where Haiti Is (Niguém Sabe Onde Fica O Haiti), Brazil 2011, 62m, Henrique Maffei

Documentary that shows that no matter the difficulties that face this embattled Caribbean nation, its people have a deep love for it and are able to appreciate its inherent beauty. The film also explores it relationship with Brazil and their common elements.
Personne ne sait où est Haïti (Niguém Sabe Onde Fica O Haïti), Brésil 2011, 62m, Henrique Maffei Documentaire que montre que n'importe les difficultés que rencontrent cette nation Caraïbe crénelée, ses habitants ont un profond amour pour elle et est en mesure d'apprécier sa beauté inhérente. Le film il explore également des relations avec le Brésil et leurs éléments communs.

Habibti, United Kingdom 2010, 16m, Nour Wazzi

Habibti is the feminine form for ‘habibi’ which is an Arabic term that signifies ‘my beloved.’ Iman is steeped in Arab culture. Her daughter, Amira, lives in London and hasn’t seen her mother in years. One day Iman travels to London and knocks on Amira’s door. She initially clashes with Amira’s black boyfriend, Marlon.
Habibti, Royaume Uni 2010, 16m, Nour Wazzi
Habibti est la forme féminine pour « habibi », qui est un terme arabe qui signifie « mon bien-aimé. » Iman est ancré dans la culture arabe. Sa fille, Amira, vit à Londres et n'a pas vu sa mère au cours des années. Un jour, Iman se rend à Londres et frappe à la porte d’Amira. Elle est initialement affrontements avec Marlon, le petit ami noir d’Amira.

The Light (Yeelen), Mali / Burkina Faso / France / West Germany 1987, 105m, Souleymane Cissé
This fictional drama portrays the traditional customs of the Bambara tribe of Mali.  Nianankoro is preparing to receive the knowledge required to master the forces around him. Envious of this, his father sets out to confront him. The credibility of this film’s portrayal of African Fetishism was enhanced by the use of non-professional actors.
La Lumière (Yeelen), le Mali / Burkina Faso / France / Allemagne de l'Ouest 1987, 105m, Souleymane Cissé
Cette fiction dépeint les coutumes traditionnelles de la tribu Bambara du Mali.  Nianankoro se prépare à recevoir la connaissance nécessaire pour maîtriser les forces autour de lui. Jaloux de cela, son père énonce pour faire face à lui. La crédibilité de la représentation de ce film du fétichisme Africaine a été renforcée par l'utilisation des acteurs non professionnels.

Favela Rising, United States / Brazil 2005, 80m, Jeff Zimbalist

When Anderson Sá witnessed many in his family and circle of friends in Vigario Geral, Rio de Janeiro’s most notorious Favela, being massacred by a corrupt police force, he decided to counteract his first instinct to take violent retaliation. He wrote a song and along with DJ Jose Jr., began a revolutionary social movement called ‘Afro Reggae.’ It has successfully grown and offers youths who live in the Favelas an alternative to join the armies of the drug cartels.
Favela Rising, États-Unis / Brésil 2005, 80m, Jeff Zimbalist
Lorsqu’Anderson Sá a été témoigné à beaucoup dans sa famille et son cercle d'amis en Vigario Geral le plus notoires des favelas de Rio de Janeiro, massacrée par une force de police corrompue, il décide de contrer son premier instinct de prendre des représailles violentes. Il a écrit une chanson et avec DJ Jose Jr, commence un mouvement social révolutionnaire appelé « Afro Reggae. » Il a grandi avec succès et offre des jeunes qui vivent dans les Favelas alternative pour rejoindre les armées des cartels de la drogue.

How do You Say to Someone You’re HIV Positive?, United States 2011, 13m, Hima B.

Haneefa is HIV positive and has given birth. How does she disclose her HIV status to the father?
Comment Dit On A Quelqu'un Vous Êtes Séropositif?, États-Unis 2011, 13 m, Hima B.
Haneefa est séropositive et a accouché. Comment est-ce qu'elle ne révèle son statut VIH au père?

The Bang Bang Club, Canada / South Africa 2010, 106m, Steven Silver

Between 1990 and 1994, a group of young photographers: Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich, Ken Oosterbroek, and João Silva, collectively known as ‘The Bang Bang Club’, were active in taking photos of the war between the various factions in the conflict that raged in South Africa. Because of their courage and their ability to get close to the action, they deftly exposed the atrocities committed during this ‘hidden war.’ Two of them won the Pulitzer Prize.  This film effectively captures their exploits and the moral dilemmas that are inherent in their jobs.
The Bang Bang Club, Canada / Afrique du Sud 2010, 106m, Steven Silver
Entre 1990 et 1994, un groupe de jeunes photographes: Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich, Ken Oosterbroek et João Silva, appelés collectivement «The Bang Bang Club», ont été actifs en prenant des photos de la guerre entre les différentes factions dans le conflit qui fait rage en Afrique du Sud. En raison de leur courage et leur capacité à se rapprocher de l'action, ils ont exposés habilement les atrocités commises au cours de cette «guerre cachés». Deux d'entre eux a remporté le prix Pulitzer.  Ce film saisit efficacement leurs exploits et les dilemmes moraux qui sont inhérents à leur emploi.

Close, United States 2010, 8m, Tahir Jetter

Derek and Angela have just reunited to spend an intimate evening together. Angela gets up to leave but Derek won’t let her go without a fight. A study in how each one of us interprets the same event in different ways.
Close, États-Unis 2010, 8m, Tahir Jetter
Derek et Angela ont juste réunis pour passer ensemble une soirée intime. Angela se lève pour quitter mais Derek ne le laissera pas aller sans combattre. Une étude dans la façon dont chacun d'entre nous interprète le même événement de différentes manières.

The Tested, United States 2010, 105m, Russell Costanzo

The same life-shattering event can throw each one of us onto vastly different paths to redemption and understanding. A year earlier plainclothes cop, Julian Varone, gunned down an unarmed teen, Derek Warren. He is returning to work and wants to reconcile with Darraylynn and Dre, Derek’s mother and younger brother. She has spiralled downward into a state of despair and he is about to enter into gang life.  
The Tested,  États-Unis 2010, 105m, Russell Costanzo
La même tragédie bouleversante vie plongeon événement peut jeter chacun d'entre nous sur des voies très différentes de la rédemption et à la compréhension. Un an plus tôt un policier en civil, Julian Varone, a abattu un adolescent désarmé, Derek Warren. Il est de retour au travail et veut concilier avec Darraylynn et Dre, la mère de Derek et son frère cadet. Elle a spiralé en descendant dans un état de désespoir, et il est sur le point d'entrer dans la vie de gang.

Colour Me, Canada 2011, 80m, Sherien Barsoum
Performer and motivational speaker, Anthony McLean, challenges students in a Brampton, Ontario school to analyse their concepts regarding racial identity. We as viewers are also challenged.
Colour Me, Canada 2011, 80m, Sherien Barsoum
Interprète et conférencier motivateur, Anthony McLean, lance un défi aux élèves d'une école de Brampton, Ontario pour analyser leurs concepts au sujet de l'identité raciale. Tant que spectateurs, nous sommes également contestés.

Baby, United Kingdom 2010, 25m, Daniel Mulloy

On her way home, a young woman intercedes during a crime. The perpetrator follows her home.
Baby, Royaume-Uni 2010, 25m, Daniel Mulloy
Sur son chemin de retour, une jeune femme intercède au cours d'un crime. L'agresseur le suit à sa maison.

The Black Power Mixtapes 1967-1975, United States / Sweden 2011, 96m, Göran Hugo Olsson

Compilation of forgotten Swiss Television film footage chronicling the Black Power Movement from 1967-1975. An eye-opening view of a pivotal moment in American history from a European perspective.
The Black Power Mixtapes 1967-1975, États-Unis  / Suède 2011, 96 m, Göran Hugo Olsson
Compilation des images de télévision Suisse oubliés qui chronique le développent du mouvement Black Power entre 1967 et 1975. Une vue de révélateur d'un moment charnière dans l'histoire Américaine dans une perspective Européenne.    

Jr. Posse, United States 2009, 10m, Michele Ervin

A portrait of ‘Compton Jr. Posse Youth Equestrian Training Program’ and its founder / director Mayisha Akbar. This program is a form of co-therapy between youth and horse that together they can lift the other’s spirit and learn responsibility and discipline thus increasing self-esteem and hope.
Jr. Posse, États-Unis 2009, 10m, Michele Ervin
Un portrait du programme ‘Programme de formation jeunesse équestre Compton Jr. Posse’ et son fondateur / directeur Mayisha Akbar. Ce programme est une forme de co-thérapie entre les jeunes et les chevaux qu'ensemble ils peuvent soulever l'autre esprit et apprendre la responsabilité et la discipline, augmentant ainsi leur estime de soi et d'espoir.

The Silent Army, Netherlands 2008, 92m, Jean Van De Velde

Abu and Thomas are best of friends. Abu is African and Thomas is Dutch. Thomas’s father, Eduard, is a cook in a local restaurant. When rebel forces attack Abu’s village they force him to kill his father and become a child-soldier. Thomas is devastated and wants his father to find Abu and rescue him. Eduard is plunged into the harsh and cruel world inflicted upon these innocent victims who are pawns in the hands of devils.
L'Armée Silencieuse, Pays-Bas 2008, 92m, Jean Van De Velde
Abu et Thomas sont les meilleurs amis. Abu est Africaine et Thomas est le Néerlandais. Le Père de Thomas, Éduard, est un cuisinier dans un restaurant local. Lorsque les forces rebelles attaquent le village d’Abu ils le forcent de tuer son père et de devenir un enfant-soldat. Thomas est dévasté et veut que son père trouve Abu et viens à son secours. Éduard est plongé dans le monde rude et cruel infligé à ces victimes innocentes qui sont des pions dans les mains des démons.

Daisy Cutter, Spain 2010, 7m, Enrique García / Rubén Salazar

Animation showing the devastating effects of the BLU-82B/C-130 weapons system, nicknamed Daisy Cutter, as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl.
Daisy Cutter, Espagne 2010, 7m, Enrique García / Rubén Salazar
Animation qui montre les effets dévastateurs du système d'armes BLU-82B/C-130, surnommé Daisy Cutter, vu à travers les yeux d'une fille de dix ans.

Sunfish (Nuvem), Portugal / Switzerland 2011, 28m, Basil da Cunha

Nuvem spends his days daydreaming and is seeking to find the mysterious sunfish.
Poisson-lune (Nuvem), Portugal / Suisse 2011, 28m, Basil da Cunha
Nuvem passe ses journées à rêvasser et cherche à trouver la poisson-lune mystérieuse.

My Declaration of Love, France (Guyana) 2009, 19m, Serge Poyotte

Nathanaël is having difficulty in declaring his love for Rebecca.
Ma Déclaration D'Amour, France (Guyane) 2009, 19m, Serge Poyotte
Nathanaël a des difficultés à déclarer son amour pour Rebecca.

The Mango Lady, France (Guadeloupe) 2010, 19m, Véronique Kanor

Bazile and Marie-Ange spend much of their day in an old cemetery. Both are lonely. Bazile writes letters to his deceased wife and Marie-Ange places mangoes on the grave sites. To ease their loneliness they exchange romantic tales.
La Femme qui Passe, France (Guadeloupe) 2010, 19m, Véronique Kanor
Bazile et Marie-Ange passent beaucoup de leur journée dans un ancien cimetière. Les deux sont solitaires. Bazile écrit des lettres à sa femme décédée et Marie-Ange place des mangues sur les tombes. Afin de faciliter leur solitude, ils échangent des contes romantiques.

Nasty Roots, France 2011, 28m, Marie-Claude Pernelles

Viviane decides that her mother must come to live with her in a downtown Parisian apartment. She feels that her mother is not able to take care of herself. Her mother strongly desires to return to Guadeloupe. This leads to increasing tensions between the two with an exotically tragic result.

 Fichues Racines, France 2011, 28m, Marie-Claude Pernelles

Viviane décide que sa mère doit venir vivre avec elle dans un appartement parisien du centre-ville. Elle estime que sa mère n'est pas capable de prendre soin d'elle-même. Sa mère désire fortement retourner à la Guadeloupe. Ceci conduit à accroître les tensions entre les deux avec un résultat exotique mais tragique.

Suicide Dolls, United States 2010, 90m, Keith Shaw

A week before graduation, best friends Amber and Jade make a suicide pact. They decide to video tape (and post on the internet) their last 24 hours and the act which they decide to execute at midnight. As the day progresses, the secrets as to what led to their tragic decision and whether they will go through with it, come to light. A powerful and emotionally stirring film that sends a strong warning we ought to be vigilant in detecting suicidal tendencies in our precious youth.
Poupées de Suicide,  États-Unis 2010, 90 m, Keith Shaw
Une semaine avant les meilleurs amis de graduation Amber et Jade font un Pacte de suicide. Ils décident de enregistrer (et de l'afficher sur internet) leurs dernières 24 heures et l’acte dont ils décident de l'exécuter à minuit. Comme la journée s’avance, les secrets de ce qui les a conduit à leur décision tragique et si ils iront jusqu’au  bout, se dévoile. Un film puissant et émotionnellement émouvant qui envoie un avis fort que nous devrions êtres très vigilant dans la détection des tendances suicidaires dans notre jeunesse précieuse.

Protect the Nation, South Africa / Germany 2010, 16m, C.R. Reisser

A young boy begins to question his behaviour when those around him, specifically his aunt and a complete stranger, treat him kindly. It takes courage to do what is right.
Protéger le Pays, Afrique du Sud / Allemagne 2010, 16m, C.R. Reisser
Un jeune garçon commence à remettre en question son comportement lorsque ceux autour de lui, plus précisément sa tante et un inconnu, lui traiter gentiment. Il faut du courage pour faire ce qui est juste.

Route of Refugees, Morocco 2009, 52m, Ali Benjelloun

Even though Morocco is supposed to be a ‘safe haven’ for refugees, who went through many difficulties en-route to the country, upon arrival they still have to endure more. This film, through personal testimonies, exposes this harsh reality.
Parcours de Réfugiés, Maroc 2009, 52m, Ali Benjelloun
Même si  le Maroc est censé être un «havre de sécurité» pour les réfugiés, qui pendant leurs parcours en route pour le pays ils ont subi de nombreuses difficultés, à l'arrivée, ils doivent encore endurer plus. Ce film, par le biais de témoignages personnels, expose cette dure réalité.

Les Mains Noires – Procès de L’Esclave Incendiaire, Canada, 52m, Techina Bellange

In 1734, there was a major fire that destroyed a large part of what is known today as Old Montreal. This educational and fascinating film documents, through a theatrical recreation and commentary, the trial that led to the accusation and execution of a black slave, Marie-Josèphe Angélique.
Les Mains Noires – Procès de L’Esclave Incendiaire, Canada, 52m, Techina Bellange
En 1734, il y avait un incendie qui a détruit une grande partie de ce qui est connu aujourd'hui comme le Vieux-Montréal. Ce film éducatif et fascinant, grâce à une recréation théâtrale et des commentaires, documente le procès qui a conduit à l'accusation et l'exécution d'un esclave noir, Marie-Josèphe dites Angélique.

 Back to Square One,  France 2010, 94m, Lionel Steketee / Fabrice Eboué / Thomas Ngijol

Zany French comedy centering on Joël and Régis who are half-brothers who are sent back to the year 1780 to learn a valuable lesson about how their ancestors were emancipated from slavery.
Case Départ, France 2010, 94m, Lionel Steketee / Fabrice Eboué  / Thomas Ngijol
Comédie française loufoque centré sur Joël et Régis qui sont demi-frères qui sont envoyés vers l'année 1780 à apprendre une leçon précieuse sur comment leurs ancêtres ont été émancipées de l'esclavage.

The Bailiff, France 2011, 6m, Lydia Wheatley

A man, heavily in debt, tries to get his wife to help him hide their valuable objects before the bailiff arrives.
L'Huissier, France 2011, 6m, Lydia Wheatley
Un homme, lourdement endette, tente de convaincre son épouse pour lui aider à cacher leurs objets de valeur avant l'arrivée d'un huissier de justice.

Seen prior / Vue avant:

Beautiful, France (Guyana) 2010, 45m, Pélagie Serge Poyotte
Manuel meets Lydia and is so intrigued by her that he, along with his friend Sizo, decides to go and see her again in her home town. What began as a light-hearted comedy turns into a descent into oblivion.
Beautiful, France (Guyane) 2010, 45m, Pélagie Serge Poyotte
Manuel rencontre  Lydia et il fortement intrigué par elle qu'il, avec son ami Sizo, décide qui veut la revoir dans sa ville natale. Ce qui commence comme une comédie joyeuse se transforme en une descente dans l'oubli.

Diary of an Aid-Worker, Canada 2010, 91m, Robert Morin
A thought provoking Mockumentary about an aid-worker keeping a video record of his voyage to Africa.
(See post of March 31^st 2011)
Journal d'un Coopérant, Canada 2010, 91m, Robert Morin
Un faux documentaire sur un coopérant qui enregistre sur vidéo son voyage en Afrique. Suscite la réflexion. (Voir l`attestation 31 mars 2011)

Winnie the Pooh (2011) by /par Stephen Anderson / Don Hall

{Preceded by “The Legend of Nessie” a traditionally animated short directed by Stevie Warmers-Skelton about how the Legend of the Loch Ness monster came to be. Amusing and fun for the whole family.} {Précédé par « La Légende de Nessie » un court métrage traditionnellement animé, réalisé par Stevie Warmers-Skelton sur l’origine de la légende du monstre de Loch Ness. Un petit moment amusante et de plaisir pour toute la famille.}
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{Feature} A.A. Milne’s lovable and cuddly bear, who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood with Christopher Robin and all of his friends,  has returned to the screen for the first time since 2005s “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie.” The film is inspired by three stories: "In Which Eeyore Loses a Tail and Pooh Finds One”,"In Which Piglet Meets a Heffalump" and "In Which Rabbit Has a Busy Day and We Learn What Christopher Robin Does in the Mornings.”

As he does every morning Pooh wakes up and seeks to satisfy his hunger with his favourite food, honey. Only, on this particular day, there is none. So he ventures out to seek more. While searching, Pooh discovers that Eeyore has lost his tail. All of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood decide to help and Christopher Robin will reward a jar of honey to the one who comes up with the best tail.
The next day Pooh goes to see Christopher Robin and finds a note on his door that reads “Gon out busy back soon.” Since Pooh is not able to read, he takes the note to Owl, who misinterprets it as saying that Christopher Robin has been abducted by a vicious monster called the ‘Backson’. The residents of the Hundred Acre Woods develop a plan to rescue Christopher Robin.
The attraction of this latest animated feature is that though it is new, the animators have retained all of the traditional styles that were used in the 1960s; even the voices sounded the same. Jim Cummings as the voice of both Pooh and Tigger recreates the voices of Sterling Holloway and Paul Winchell giving the impression for us ‘baby boomers’ of being young children once again.

{Long-métrage} L’ours adorables et en peluche  crée par A.A. Milne, qui vit dans le Forêt des Rêves Bleu avec Christopher Robin et tous ses amis, est de retour à l'écran pour la première fois depuis «Pooh’s Heffalump Movie» de 2005. Le film est inspiré par trois histoires: «Dans Lequel Bourriquet Perd une Queue et Winnie L'Ourson Détecte un », « Dans Lequel Porcelet Rencontre un Heffalump » et «Dans Lequel Lapin A Une Journée Bien Remplie Et Nous Apprendre Ce Que Christopher Robin Fait Le Matin.»
Comme il le fait tous les matins, Winnie l'ourson se réveille et cherche à satisfaire sa faim avec sa nourriture préférée, du miel. Uniquement en ce jour particulier il y en a aucun. Alors il se risque à  chercher de plus. Pendant qu'ils cherchent, Winnie l'ourson découvre que Bourriquet a perdu sa queue. Tous les habitants du Forêt des Rêves Bleu décident de l’aider et Christopher Robin  récompensera   un pot de miel à celui qui arrive avec la meilleure queue.  
Le lendemain, Winnie l'ourson va voir Christopher Robin et trouve une note sur sa porte qui dit «Gon out busy back soon.» Étant donné que Winnie l'ourson n'est pas capable de lire il emmène la note au Maître Hibou, qui l’interprète mal comme disant que Christopher Robin a été enlevée par un monstre vicieux qu’on appelé le «Backson ». Les habitants de la Forêt des Rêves Bleu développer un plan pour sauver  Christopher Robin.
L'attraction de ce dernier long métrage d'animation est que bien qu'il soit nouveau, les animateurs ont conservé tous les styles traditionnels qui ont été utilisées dans les années 1960; même les voix sonnent le même. Jim Cummings: la voix de Winnie l'ourson et Tigrou recrée les voix de Sterling Holloway et Paul Winchell donnant l'impression que pour nous « les baby boomers » d’être des jeunes enfants une fois de plus.

Travel Back into time on the waters of the Lachine Canal

    

                                                            By Nancy Snipper

 I had the pleasure of enjoying a marvellous boat tour that charted the history both of the making of the canal and also the countless companies - some of whose structures still stand today. Thank to Parks Canada who actually took ownership of the canal in 1978, the tour is run by this outstanding government department. My guide Simon was animated and so informative that he made everything so interesting. The canal with its locks was built in 1821 with the merge of the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company. Fur exporting dwindled to a mere 5% and so wheat and its ken replaced the fur trade. Through many different periods ranging from its beginning to the 1930; the Lachine Canal went through three transformations and four different kinds of boats including the Durham with its sail through to the Canaller and finally to its massive Laker that rode through its sluices in the 1930s. It was 10 times bigger than its predecessor and with it over 100 boats shipping a myriad of tons of cargo was able to travel, but only because a new much larger canal was built.

Our excursion brought history into focus as we passed the many historical structures including Five Roses Flour Factory, Glenora Flour, the Switch and Spring Company building and another one that made ladies’ stockings.  Ogilvy was an empire onto its own, and its many factories still stand today. The boat that went through lock 3 (5) in all, took us along a 6-kilometre historical waters of the 14 kilometres of the full canal We turned around at Peel Basin where its present-day calmness totally lies in opposition to the cacophony of noise that once traveled along the waves within the canal’s walls. Imagine 800 companies were busy manufacturing and shipping out their goods.  We could almost hear the sounds of the past as the boat slowly traveled along 6 kilometres of the canal’s14 kilometres. This watery landmark runs from Lachine to the Old Port of Montreal. In 1920, over 15,000 boats per year made their way within the 5 locks. Now, there are only a few pleasure crafts that make their way in these age-old waters and of course the Park Canada boat. In 1970, that new canal built back in the 30s was closed up and by the year 2000, the canal was deemed for pleasure use only. I can’t give all the juicy details and recreate the tough times that the Irish went through when the canal was first built (they built it – pic and axe in hand) nor can I give you the descriptions that Simon so vividly did when he spoke about the horses having to pull the Durham in mud since some of the bridges were immoveable. Simon engaged us thoroughly in the history of the canal bringing man water and building together in surely one of Canada’s most brilliant creations – the Lachine Canal.

For more info go to: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine/index.aspx

L'Âge de Raison / With Love ... From the Age of Reason par / by Yann Samuell

Margaret Flore (Sophie Marceau) vit une vie sur de soi-même, déterminée et stable  comme elle se rapproche rapidement de la quarantaine. Sa carrière en tant que haut-exécutive dans une entreprise multinationale se démontrant un potentiel élevé. Tout ce qu'elle fait dans sa carrière est fait avec un sentiment d'assiduité. Son approche de son collègue et partenaire et de vie, Malcolm (Marton Csokas) est le même aussi à l’égard d’avoir son premier enfant.
Tel est le cas jusqu'à ce qu’elle reçoive  une visite d'un notaire de province a la retraite, le Maitre Mérignac (Michel Duchaussoy), qui lui tend un paquet. Au début,  elle veut le renvoyer, mais il la convainc d'accepter  le paquet. Lorsqu'elle ouvre le paquet, elle découvre que c'est d'elle-même quand elle avait atteindre «l'âge de raison». Selon l'Église Catholique Romaine, un enfant de sept ans est maintenant capable d'assumer la responsabilité morale. Une sorte de capsule temporelle, cela à été destiné afin qu’elle n’oublierait pas les promesses qu'elle avait faites à elle-même et qui elle voulait devenir. 
Comme Margaret lit plus des lettres, qu’elle écrivait pour elle-même, elle commence à remettre en question son choix de vie. Toutes ses certitudes d’être troublé, elle se demande, » est ce vraiment comme cela que je voulais que ma vie soi? « 
Bien que le concept est original, j'ai trouvé le lien entre le passé et le présent pas tout à fait la et il y avait peu de rapport entre la Margaret (Margarite) de sept ans et c’elle de 40 ans. Les performances étaient bonnes et il y avait des moments, mais dans l'ensemble, j'ai trouvé le film d'être un  peu décevant.

Margaret Flore (Sophie Marceau) is living a self-assured, determined and stable life as she is quickly approaching her 40s. Her career as a top executive in a multinational company is showing high potential. All of what she does in her career is done with a sense of assiduity. Her approach to her colleague and life partner, Malcolm (Marton Csokas) is the same even with regard to having her first child.

This is so until she receives a visit from a provincial retired notary, Maitre Mérignac (Michel Duchaussoy), who hands her a packet. At first, she wants to send him away but he convinces her to accept the package. When she opens the package, she discovers that it is from herself when she was at the ‘age of reason.’ According to the Roman Catholic Church, a seven-year-old child is now capable of taking moral responsibility. A kind of time capsule, this was intended so that she would not forget the promises she had made to herself and who she wanted to become.
As Margaret reads more of the letters she wrote to herself she begins to question her choices in life. All of her certainties being upset, she wonders “is this really how I wanted my life to be?”
 Though the concept is original, I found the link between past and present not quite there and little connection between the seven-year-old Margaret (Margarite) and the 40-year-old Margaret. The performances were good and there were moments but overall I found the film to be somewhat  disappointing.

Robbed in Ajijic, Mexico!

                                                                                                                

                                                                 By Nancy Snipper

{also posted on: http://mattersofpersonalinterests.blogspot.com/2011/09/robbed-in-ajijic-mexico.html}

It’s become the most popular retirement spot for Canadians and Americans. More than 7000 non-Mexicans live mainly on the northern side of Lake Chapala; the largest lake in Mexico (about 80 km in length and 12.5km in width) takes the spotlight around here with its boardwalks, markets, charming shops, restaurants and music that resonate around its vast shallow waters (with a mean depth of 4.5m). The most popular towns where all the gringos go are Ajijic and Chapala that have been built on a good stretch of the lake. It’s Jalisco State’s pride and joy.

The most popular towns where all the gringos go are Ajijic and Chapala that have been built on a good stretch of the lake. Everything looks fun, colourful and inviting, it is, but watch out! All the gringos live behind gated wrought iron fences, and all the gated communities have 24 hour guards. Clearly there is a reason for this. It’s about a dirty secret that some of us know about having experienced it first-hand. I made the mistake of renting a casita in the village of Ajijic on September 16th Street from a rental agency whose owner immediately began bad mouthing me the minute I arrived to get the key. She told me she didn’t need to go over with me nor show me the ropes. I insisted she did and I was concerned about locking the door etc.

Immediately arriving, the TV was not working. The nasty Casita owner (originally from Switzerland came over and wanted me to leave right away and go to a B & B. “I want her out.” He said in the worst manner. The rental agency had told me he was mean and she didn’t want any trouble from me. There they stood, trying to kick me out after a 6 hour bus ride from San Miguel de Allende toting suitcase and bags.
I convinced them I was no trouble, but if the TV could be fixed that would be nice. I also had pre-paid. I stayed but for 4 nights I had to endure the worst sound of the water pump motor. It was not functioning properly. It got fixed days later, but another disturbing fact was that by day 5 already four people had entered the casita, the gardener, the plumber and the TV cable man. I was present at all times, but the gardener had access to the house and peeking his head through the garage door into the house’s bottom stairwell inside asking if anyone was there.
Six nights later I was robbed at about 2 am right in my bedroom! Thank God I didn’t wake up.
The first thing I noticed upon going into the bathroom on Saturday morning was my nail scissors were missing, then my jewellery pouch, and my two bags I had placed on my large bed before going to sleep at 1 am.Those robbers had seen me sleeping. I was lucky to have come out of it alive.
But everything was gone, 2000$, my jewellery including irreplaceable hand-made pieces from Crete, Greece, my passport, my plane ticket which was to get me back to Montreal in two days. I had no phone as the rental agent gave me two hours to get out and the phone was cut off. During those two hours I phoned Continental Real Estate Company in Ajijic, out of desperation. The lovely secretary La Donna, whom I had never met, was the first native English-speaking voice I heard that day. She told me to come over right away to use all the phones I would need. At one time, I was on two phones at the same time:  a Vonage phone speaking French to the embassy in Ottawa, the other a cell phone, trying to get hold of MasterCard and shortly after the airline.

La Donna Farrar
Secretary Continental Realty

Michael Kavanaugh
Owner Continental Realty

MasterCard told me they would actually deliver money directly to my door by 2:00. The owner of the agency Michael Kavanaugh became a saviour. He kept his own agency open for me, waiting patiently, even getting on the phone himself to try to get the ball rolling with the Airline Company and MasterCard, but MasterCard never arrived! The promise of having money was simply false hope.

The entire day was a waste. The police had showed up 6 hours after being called about the robbery and the rental agency had immediately changed the lock of the casita door, so they couldn’t get in to “inspect”. I was told to go to Chapala to file an official report; the Ajijic police didn’t write a single word. It was too late, as the police office there was already closed. I had no place to sleep, no money and no passport. Michael had tried to get me to Chapala in time along with my friend Nacho who helped me so much through this. We were driving quickly, but we arrived to watch the police gate close. Dear Michael announced I would be staying in a house he had that remained unoccupied. It was for sale. Without asking for any money, he stopped on the way to buy me booze and handed me 500 pesos (about $43 dollars). This man did not know me, knew nothing about my job nor asked any questions. What a lifesaver.
I had to wait another day Sunday to contact the embassy. It was only open in Guadalajara on Monday.
And here is where another angel entered my life. I opened the door of my new house to see what street I was on, and just then a sweet lady appeared exactly as I was approaching the street sign. I asked her if she had a phone I could use. I told her what had happened. Without a second’s pause, she took me into her home around the corner. Her name was Lucille, a fighter for animal rights, a dog rescuer, and obviously a special person. Originally from South Africa, we found out we had so much in common. She has lived in Chania, Crete and so we both started speaking Greek, as we love the place. She’s lived in so many countries, and even lived in Montreal! She had a Canadian passport. Not only that, she was willing to have money wired down from my MasterCard (I got hold of them finally and told them I needed money and how they had failed me), and so I was told it would arrive on Monday. Darling Lucille, who was actually waiting for her furniture to arrive from Turkey, was supposed to be at home waiting for it after months of paying needless fees in Veracruz for storage. They had failed to deliver it when promised. Nonetheless, she put that on hold, and went into Chapala with me and her friend Cynthia who happened to be a translator and we filed the police report, went to the bank, to get my wired money. We had to make another call as some was not delivered; Lucille called without me even asking. I called the Canadian consulate from the bank using Lucille’s phone, and was told what I would need to get out of the country and return to Canada. By now I had missed the flight, so I would have to purchase another ticket. Lucille arranged for a meeting with me at a travel agent to do that. I got photos taken for the document I would need, but the document requested so much information including references. It was a mad scramble that Monday.
On Wednesday, darling Nacho took me to Guadalajara by bus to deliver the papers and photos needed to begin the process of being issued an emergency one-day exit pass, stamped by the Canadian consulate. It’s a temporary emergency document. I was ushered into a private booth to begin the interview and hand over the papers.
On Friday I was to pick up the document if everything had been approved. I had a new airline ticket; that cost me 379$ more (I had to pay a $150 penalty for the change of date – no compassion there from Continental Airlines. But I had made two amazing Buddhist friends Lucille and Cynthia, the Mexican translator whose looks and personality could charm anyone.
I speak Spanish, enjoy Mexican culture, but my dream to retire there went up in smoke with that robbery.

The story worsens. In Houston, I was escorted into an immigration room; nothing was explained to me. After waiting 20 minutes, a horrid lady called me up and proceeded to intimidate me with her tone and comments: “You are all over the place; this is serious business. “ She asked me so many questions and every time I went to answer she gave me a stare down. In fact, I counted 10 seconds of pursed lips and angry eyes of complete silence before she asked me yet another question. She then said, “I have to make a phone call.” She didn’t want to stamp that emergency paper, nor accept that I had no ID as I had been robbed as the emergency paper stated: passport reported stolen. At one point after she kept asking me for ID I gingerly removed my own CD from the borrowed purse Lucille had given me for my trip home. (I’m a singer/songwriter - it had my name and two photos of me. That really got her angry. I was just trying to assist the situation. I was stressed and tired, having left for the Guadalajara airport at 5 am.
I still had another flight to take from Houston to Cleveland and then back to Montreal. Would I make the connection?
I did but upon arriving in Montreal, I had to go through 3 different customs areas, but they were all super nice to me. The last one was a suitcase opening part. But the young woman took one look at me (I must have looked 101 years old), and she smiled and said, with great pity in her yes for me “Bienvenue, Nancy”. I broke down and cried!

Le Sens de L'Humour / The Sense of Humour par / by Émile Gaudreault

Luc Dubé (Louis-José Houde) et Marco Fortier (Benoît Brière) sont deux comédiens de second rang qui font des tournées dans les régions isolée du Québec, en jouent les petites salles. À tous leurs performances ils choisissent une personne dans la foule qui sera leur «tête-de-turc» c'est-à-dire l'objet de sarcasmes auxquels ils seront ridiculisés au grand plaisir des spectateurs.   Roger Gendron (Michel Côté) est un cuisinier pour un snack bar en l'Anse-au-Pic, un petit village à la frontière de la région du Saguenay.  Stéphanie (Anne Dorval), l’intérêt d’amour de Roger, est un de ses collègues. Mené par Carl (Alexandre Goyette), ses  collègues se moquer de lui en permanence. Quand Luc et Marco voie ceci ils décident que Roger sera leur «tête-de-turc». Une grosse erreur! Roger a une mèche courte...
Pendant ce temps! Plusieurs Montréalais ont disparu et leurs disparitions sont annoncées chaque jour sur les nouvelles. Ainsi Manon (Sonia Vachon), l’épouse de Marco, est sur le bord d'une dépression et Julie (Éveline Gélinas), la sœur de Luc, vient de sortir de désintoxication et «accepte» sa tristesse.
…Notre deux comédiens se réveille le lendemain matin, enchaînés dans une cage, demandant la grâce de Roger. Roger cherche vengeance pour la « humiliation publique » de la nuit précédente. En échange pour leur liberté, ils convaincre Roger de les laisser de l'entraîneur dans l'art de livrer la comédie.  Ils ne se rendent pas conte de l'énormité de la tâche qu'ils ont mis dans.
L'intention du réalisateur était de faire une comédie sur la comédie avec un peu de suspense. A travers  d’un scenario fort et interprétations de haut qualité a l’ensemble, Émile Gaudreault réussi à nouveau (Mambo Italiano, de Père en Flic) en nous donner un gagnant  qui est destiné à être un classique Québécois.

Luc Dubé (Louis-José Houde) and Marco Fortier (Benoît Brière) are two second-rate comedians who tour throughout the remote regions of Quebec, performing in small venues. At all of their performances they choose someone from the audience who will be their ‘whipping-boy’ i.e. the object of sarcasm that they will ridicule to the audience’s great pleasure.
Roger Gendron (Michel Côté) is a cook for a local snack bar in Anse-au-Pic, a small village on

the border of the Saguenay region. Roger’s love interest Stéphanie (Anne Dorval), is one of his co-workers. Led by Carl (Alexandre Goyette), his co-workers constantly make fun of him. When

Luc and Marco see this they decide that Roger will be their ‘whipping-boy’. A big mistake! Roger has a short fuse...

Meanwhile! Several Montrealers have gone missing and their disappearances are announced daily on the news. As well Marco’s wife Manon (Sonia Vachon) is on the verge of a breakdown and Luc’s sister Julie (Éveline Gélinas) has just gotten out of rehab and ‘accepts’ her sadness.

... Our pair of comedians wake up the next morning chained in a cage, begging for Roger’s mercy. Roger is seeking vengeance for the ‘public humiliation’ of the night before. In return for their freedom, they convince Roger to let them coach him in the ‘art’ of delivering comedy. The pair do not realise the enormity of the task they have gotten into.
Director’s intention was to make a comedy about comedy with a little bit of suspense. Through a strong script and all-around up-to-par performances, Émile Gaudreault succeeds again (Mambo Italiano, Father and Guns) in giving us a winner that is destined to become a Quebec classic.