A RETURNING TRIO WITH THREE HANDHELD CAMERAS
FRENCH FRENCH
BY THIERRY GARREL
Deprived of the physical presence of filmmakers once again due to the ongoing pandemic, FRENCH FRENCH returns online once again following a previous web-based edition in 2020 that introduced three promising first-time female directors. This year, FRENCH FRENCH presents fresh new films from three distinguished cineastes who will be familiar to Vancouver’s devoted filmgoers for their acclaimed films in past editions. Marie Dumora, Claire Simon and Alain Cavalier are three distinctive voices and “écritures” who embody the extraordinary diversity of what’s known informally as the French auteur documentary school. Through thick and thin, these filmmakers have continued producing ambitious and unique works that have promptly been selected into major European festivals.
CONSULAT GÉNÉRAL DE FRANCE À VANCOUVER
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FRENCH FRENCH
Born with a camera on her shoulder, it was almost 20 years ago that Marie Dumora (Belinda, DOXA 2018) began filming the intimate and trusting relationship she has built with a family of Yenish people in Eastern France. Disenfranchised and formerly nomadic, the family and their community have survived as scrap metal dealers while carrying on a rich tradition of gypsy jazz. In her new feature Far From You I Grew, Dumora spotlights Nicolas, a 13-year-old boy (and son of Sabrina, previously featured in Belinda) who is working with his stepfather while living in a foster home. Dumora follows Nicolas as he takes his first steps towards independence.
