I’m going on a trip around the world next week, at the 10th edition of the Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke, April 6 to 13. It offers more than 90 films from 40 countries, plus 25 special events, in the Maison du Cinéma plus four other venues.
I’ve picked out the films in English, those partly in English, or those subtitled in English. I found 11 feature-length fiction and eight documentaries. The online schedule (fcms.ca/schedule/) says only one is subtitled in English (Clara Sola), and two are in English with no subtitles (Brian and Charles and God’s Creatures), both from the UK.
Six films are in English with French subtitles. Sans Filtre (Triangle of Sadness), a so-called satirical black comedy about an uber-rich couple on a luxury cruise with an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). Vivre (Living) from the UK interests me: The screenplay is by the novelist Kazuo Ishiguro.
The Other Tom is about a single mother and son in El Paso, Texas, bordering Mexico. I Like Movies is about a socially inept 17-year-old befriended by an older female. Aftersun (Sous le soleil), from the UK and the US, is about father and daughter. Young Plato documents a search for peace in an all-boys school in post-conflict Belfast.
Three fiction films and seven documentaries were in English and other languages, all subtitled in French. There’s Portraits From a Fire, in English and Tsilhqot’in, about a young Indigenous vlogger. Carmen, in Spanish and English, is about a Mexican woman’s chilling border adventures. In Retour à Séoul (French, Korean and English), a 25-year-old returns to South Korea after growing up in France.
The documentary that most interests me is The Colour of Ink, in English, Spanish and Japanese. It’s about Jason Logan, a Toronto ink-maker who makes ink from weeds, bark, flowers, rocks, rust, and more. I have his book. It is gorgeous and fascinating; I expect no less from the film.
Topical and thought-provoking is Au-delà du papier (Beyond Paper), by Oana Suteu Khintirian, in in French, English, Romanian and Italian. Filmed around the world, it charts the migration of humanity’s archives to the “cloud,” from paper to digital. What is the future of human memory?
Dear Memories is a film from Germany and Switzerland; in German and English. Thomas Hoepker is one of the most important living photographers worldwide; his photos are icons of photojournalism. In 2017, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His one last big dream: A road trip through the USA with his wife.
La parfaite histoire (The Perfect Story), is in English, Somali, and Norwegian. By Michelle Shepherd, it is a riveting, intimate look at the ethical and moral challenges sparked by the relationship between a foreign correspondent and a young Somali refugee. Telling his heart-rending story, the film explores the boundaries of journalism and filmmaking, and questions what stories are told, why, and who gets to tell them.
And music! Ennio (The Maestro) is about the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. It is in Italian, English, Portuguese, and Chinese. Chasseuse de son (Ever Deadly), in English and Inuktitut. Nunavut landscapes, stories, and songs of the innovative musical performer, Tanya Tagaq.
Ok, out of 90 films, that’s 19 films in English or partly so. About 20%. Kinda much. But it’s ok. They’re all from other countries, including those west of us. Many of them are award-winning.
World, here I come!
STORYMAKERS
Last call, if you enjoy stories and doing things by hand: Literacy in Action is offering a creative workshop series in Eaton Corner, using collage and family histories. “Easy and fun activities for all ages. Come solo, with your kids, or with a friend!” Accomplished storyteller, author, and Sawyerville Library coordinator Ann Rothfels will share a story with participants at the start of the first four workshops.
The first workshop is Tuesday, April 4, at 5-7 p.m., with five more to follow on April 11, 18, 25, May 2, and 9. They are free of charge, at the Academy building of the Eaton Corner Museum, 375 Route 253, Eaton Corner. Reservations: 819-346-7009, or info@lia-estrie.org. Or drop in!
BULWER COMMUNITY CENTRE
Bulwer activities are starting up again – a sure sign of spring! The first meeting is on Tuesday, April 11, and will meet every two weeks after that. Cards, bowling, and a light lunch will be served. That should put spring in your step and a smile on your lips! The Bulwer Community Centre is located at 254 Jordan Hill Road, Cookshire-Eaton. For the time or other details, contact Nathalie at the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541, or coordo@cabhsf.org.
SPRING IN CANTERBURY
Plan ahead for two summer events at the Canterbury Center: First, a Concert for the Fête Nationale on Friday, June 23, featuring Paula Chiasson on violin, voice, and dance; Normand Breton on bass, accordion, voice, and dance; and Christian Nolet on guitar and bouzouki. Tickets are available soon. Reservations: 819-872-3400.
Second, the Canterbury Center will host a Flea Market/Marché aux puces and Farmers’ Markets on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30. Starting now, the organizers are seeking donations of small items and antiques. To arrange to drop off donations, or if your mobility is reduced, have them picked up, call 819-872-3400. The Canterbury Center is located at 1095 Route 214, Cantberbury.
CHURCHES
Baptist. In-person Sunday services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. All services are at the Sawyerville Baptist Church, 33 rue de Cookshire. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. For the schedule of services at the St. George’s Anglican Church, 84 Queen St., Lennoxville, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Church in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville United Church. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by April 3 for publication April 12.