Families–close knit, estranged, chosen, or amusingly dysfunctional–are an endless source of inspiration for filmmakers. This year’s festival program has several films focused on a variety of family structures. Here are your best bets for some family drama.
Ina Litovski by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, André Turpin
Living in a cramped apartment in a new city, a young violinist is trying to take care of her listless mother and burnout brother. Tonight is a school recital-will she have her moment to shine, or will her family remain preoccupied?
Friday, March 7th @ 4 pm
Boneshaker by Frances Bodomo
Possessed? Hyper? Crazy? Sick? High-spirited? Beasts of the Southern Wild star Quvenzhané Wallis plays a young girl whose troubles her family can’t put a finger on. They’re looking for a miracle–will they find one amidst the beautiful Louisiana delta?
Friday, March 7th @ 4 pm
Night Shift by Zia Mandviwalla
Salote isn’t doing well at her new job as a custodian at an airport. She seems distracted and lonely, but when her coworkers try and reach out to her she keeps them at a distance. Why is she so standoffish? What happens when she clocks out at the end of her shift?
Friday, March 7th @ 4 pm
Stolen by Yvonne Keane
An innocuous-looking suburban house serves as the setting where families are stolen, not made–or so it seems for the young protagonist of this film. Where are her real parents?
Friday, March 7th @ 4 pm
88 Miles to Moscow by Karen Glienke
It’s clear that Niki and her mum are close, making homemade facials while discussing their latest love interests with Gilmore Girls-esque rapid-fire dialogue. That being said, she’s 15 and is tired of hearing her mum complain about her dad, a careless ex-con who she recently went on vacation with. This mother-daughter film is a must-see.
Friday, March 7th @ 6:30
Saba by Roqiye Tavakoli
Saba is mourning the loss of her sister and must take care of her children. Her heart is broken, but she’s trying to think of what is best for those left in her care. Beautifully shot, this film from Iran gives us a glimpse into a moment of a family trying to pick up the pieces.
Friday, March 7th @ 9:00
Mimi & Me by Marly Reed
All bets are off when a glamorous yet eccentric grandma, in the midst of a night of heavy drinking and gambling, is interrupted by a surprise visit from her painfully shy granddaughter whom she helped raise. Will this unconventional grandma (who rather strongly prefers to be called “Mimi”) be able to help her lovelorn granddaughter?
Friday, March 7th @ 9:00
For full film festival schedule, click here.
For details about film screenings, click here.
