By David Baldwin
Middle schoolers Amina (Léah Aubert), Djeneba (Médina Diarra) and Zineb (Salma Takaline) have been best friends since childhood, despite their difference in economic, racial and social backgrounds. At a birthday party, Zineb tells her friends that her older brother’s friend Zak (Oscar Al Hafiane) has been sexually harassing her. The girls get an instance on camera and when Amina decides to post it online without letting her friends know, it sets off a world of trouble they never could have expected.
SISTERHOOD is an incendiary and bold feature debut from Writer/Director Nora El Hourch. It captures that not-so innocent dynamic between adolescent males and females perfectly, and is provocative in the moral quandaries it explores (specifically with social media). It is undoubtedly a feminist piece and brings up #MeToo, yet feels like a post #MeToo examination where things are supposed to have changed for the better. Except they really have not and SISTERHOOD feels all the more lived-in and authentic because of it. While some may take El Hourch to task for how she depicts her male characters, she does not go easy on her female characters either. And while the progression of time is not always clear, she guides the Film’s complicated thesis with top-tier precision.
The core trio of Aubert, Diarra and Takaline are terrific in their roles, showcasing a veritable kaleidoscope of emotions that grow stronger with each passing moment. They command the screen together and apart, easily stealing moments from seasoned vets like Mounir Magroum and Oscar-nominee Bérénice Bejo. And credit where credit is due, Al Hafiane is very good at playing the kind of slimy shit weasel that makes your blood boil. A scene between him and Takaline late in the Film is a masterclass in restraint and tension. It will leave you just as angry as you are amazed.
SISTERHOOD screens at TIFF ’23:
Monday, September 11 at 2:30 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox
Wednesday, September 13 at 3:35 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Saturday, September 16 at 12:15 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Festivities at the 2022 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL are taking flight, literally! TOP GUN: MAVERICK has brought Tom Cruise to the Festival and fighter jets leaving a trail in the colours of the French flag in the skies, got everyone pumped!
Cruise even got honoured with a surprise Palme d’Or for his contributions to Cinema, in addition to a ten-minute reel celebrating his carrer being shown. The Hollywood Megastar spoke at the Tribute held in his honour at Debussy Theatre, and our Amanda Gilmore was there.
Some key statements from Cruise at the In-Conversation.
On why Cruise wanted to get into acting.
Cruise: “I would save my money and go to the Movies. And, suddenly I am 18 years old … and suddenly I’m making Taps. I’m on a Movie Set for the first time. I’m 18 years old. It was my second audition and I got the role. I never went to a film school.”.
On Film Sets Being His Film School
Cruise: “I went to every department and studied every department. That has been my education throughout.”.
On Viewing a Film In Cinema
Cruise: “Cinema is my love. My passion. I sit in the audience with everyone…I come in early…I watch the commercials and trailers.”.
On Working with Cast And Crew Members
Cruise: “The best thing you can do is study every aspect of the art form. All of these elements and thing that we are striving for…I wanna hear your story what do you think this Movie is…I have to tell them this isn’t my Movie this is our Movie.”.
On Watching a Tribute Reel which Cannes Put Together of His Filmography
Cruise: “I have a thing where I remember every take. I remember everything. It’s wild seeing this reel by the way. It’s like your life in 10 minutes! It’s very trippy.”.
On Following Your Dreams
Cruise: “I was interested in adventure in life. It’s possible even if others said it’s impossible. I held onto my dream and thought maybe it is possible.”.
“It is better to create. Even if you fail. I always try to walk away with what I learned. It’s always better to go for it. Then to not do it. Ask the question and don’t be afraid.”.
Some highlights from the event:
Also, some sightings from the Premiere of Michel Hazanavicius‘ Zombie Comedy-Horror FINAL CUT.
Keep checking daily for updates throughout the Festival. Amanda‘s Review of FINAL CUT is here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)
By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Final Cut is a Zombie Horror-Comedy and a love letter to the challenges of Filmmaking.
It follows Remi (Romain Duris) a struggling Director who has only scratched the surface of Filmmaking. When he’s approached to make a French remake of a beloved classic Japanese Zombie flick, he takes the opportunity. Unbeknownst to Remi, he’s just accepted this most stressful directing gig. Not only does he need to shoot it in one take, as it will be viewed live on a new streaming platform, but he’s also dealing with jaded technicians and uninvolved actors. However, things get complicated when filming is disrupted by the real living dead. In front of the camera, everything looks relatively normal. But behind it, the crew is in chaos attempting to save the Film.
Writer-Director Michel Hazanavicius (Academy Award-winning The Artist) on one level brings us a new Zombie Horror-Comedy, yet transcends the limited audience of that genre by broadening it’s scope to explore the love and struggle of Filmmaking. It is apparent right away that Remi has a real passion for Filmmaking right at the start. This is a do-or-die situation for him and for anyone is all-in about their career, it’s easy to sympathize and relate. Duris is outstanding. His energy is unparalleled and he excels in this comedic performance. His natural charisma makes the audience cheer for him even if he’s ultimately making one of the worst Zombie films ever.
The Supporting Cast give hilarious performances. Bérénice Bejo plays Nadia, an Actress who takes her roles too seriously. She delivers some of the most outrageous one-liners with unwavering conviction, making for scene-stealing moments. Finnegan Oldfield plays Raphaël, an Actor who believes he’s better than he actually is. And rounding-out the Principal Cast is the brilliant Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz. She might have the most challenging role as her character is a bad Actress. Her strong comedic timing makes her achieve this and her performance is a testament to how very talented she is.
Final Cut has an impactful opening and first act that leaves ample mystery. We are left wondering what is going on. Hazanavicius uses this as a device to grab a hold of us. In the middle, we are given some answers. Even though it’s in this section that the Film lags, Hazanavicius’ Script gives film references that true Cinephiles will get. In the final 30 minutes, we are given all the answers to our questions. The situations we watch this Cast and Crew get into are hysterical.
Fans of the original Japanese Cult Classic One Cut of the Dead, will get a reference that is highlighted at the midway mark. In this scene, Remi sits studying the original Japanese Film he is supposed to remake. Hazanavicius uses the original One Cut of The Dead that Final Cut is based on, making for a fun, meta homage to the cult classic.
Final Cut screens at Cannes ’22:
Tue, May 17 at 7PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE
Tue, May 17 at 11:30PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE
Wed, May 18 at 11AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE
Wed, May 18 at 2PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA
Thu, May 19 at 11:30AM at LICORNE
Thu, May 19 at 4PM at CINEUM IMAX
Fri, May 27 at 9:40PM at ARCADES 1
We’re in the Home Stretch at last! TIFF ’14 has been a bit of an endurance test to say the least. Normally at this time of year, we’re relaxing and simply enjoying Films but what makes this Festival a bit different is that some of the bigger Titles were saved a bit later in the game. Not that you have to push us to keep-up. We’re more than willing, trust me.
The names on Day 9 of TIFF ’14 were on-par with some of the Megastars we saw earlier. Believe me, you will be impressed.
JOHN TRAVOLTA
We all grew-up with GREASE (’90s) and HAIRSPRAY (’00s), so you can understand the sheer delight of seeing let alone meeting John Travolta in-person. He is everything I hoped he would be and more. The hair (!!!), the persona and the Fan-friendliness. Despite arriving late to his Press Junket for The Forger, he took the time after to meet and greet every single Fan in waiting and believe me, there were hundreds. I cannot believe this happened. Nicest Star of the Festival.
CHRIS EVANS
He may be the Captain of America, but he certainly was in it to win it at the Festival and win he did. Making his directorial debut at TIFF ’14 with BEFORE WE GO, Chris Evans was pleased to announce that his Film picked-up distribution via RADiUS, a Boutique Label from The Weinstein Company. Yes, it must be THAT good. Remember to check our Reviews Section as Contributor David Baldwin saw it! By absolute chance, we crossed paths with the handsome Star who was adamant this Festival about Selfies only and no Autographs with Fans. Co-Star Alice Eve was far less giving, disappointing several Photo Seekers.
JENNIFER CONNELLY + PAUL BETTANY
Although we spotted Paul Bettany earlier last week, it was the stunning and brilliant Jennifer Connelly that we were looking for still and we got our wish seeing the Couple arrive at the Junket for his directorial debut, SHELTER. They were amazing about it all and Bettany particularly gratuitous, went around the bend signing Autographs and taking Selfies. He even greeted a Baby!
MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS + BÉRÉNICE BEJO
I loved THE ARTIST. I saw it like six times at the theatre. So you can understand me excitement for not only Jean Dujardin (whom we spotted on TIFF ’14 DAY 8) but also Co-Star Bérénice Bejo and Husband-Director Michel Hazanavicius being in-town at the same time. A reliable source tells me that they all crossed paths yesterday at a Hotel but realized they couldn’t make each other’s Premieres.
The French Power Couple are at the Festival with Chechen Civil War Drama THE SEARCH, which I not only was lucky enough to see (and cry to… multiple times, actually), but also attend the Thompson Hotel Cocktail Party for, organized by none other than our own Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott. The Brothers were busy this TIFF with their heavily-attended The Producers Ball. The untrained Child Star in the Film, Abdul Khalim Mamutsiev, is absolutely phenomental in this Film and there already is Best Foreign Picture buzz for this.
Bejo was absolutely stunning, pairing a chic leather jacket with a gorgeous sequined black number, perfect for a Premiere and Academy Award-winning Hazanavicius looked incredibly smart. I love this Couple and am honoured to have partied with them both.
Just one more day to go till TIFF ’14 soon becomes a memory. One, we’re loving that we actually are getting some sleep. Two, we are a bit sad. We are hoping to see Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman on Day 10!
All Photos taken on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Concluding the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival, the Main Jury (headed by Steven Spielberg, including Nicole Kidman and Ang Lee) handed-out their Prizes earlier today. Winning top honours this year, the Palme d’Or, was Blue is the Warmest Colour (La vie d’Adèle), directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. The racy Drama, clocking-in at over three hours, is about a teenage Girl who has an affair with a Woman. It also has the distinction of winning the FIPRESCI Competition Prize.
In the acting categories Bérénice Bejo, who received an Oscar nomination for her silent performance in The Artist, won Best Actress for Italian-French Production The Past, about a Parisian Woman looking to divorce her Iranian Husband. Bruce Dern won Best Actor for his work in Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants), about a Father and Son who reunite to claim a Sweepstakes prize. The Drama which stars SNL Alumni Will Forte, gets a November release via Paramount Pictures in North America.
Winning the Grand Prix was eagerly-awaited Coen Brothers Film, Inside Llewyn Davis. Set in the ’60s, the Drama about the Folk Music Scene stars an exciting Cast of Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman and Oscar Isaac.
Mexican Filmmaker Amat Escalante won Best Director for his work on Heli, a Mexican Drama about a Family torn-apart by drugs.
On our radars is Fruitvale Station, to be distributed by eOne Films in select Canadian Citiies on July 26, 2013. The Ryan Coogler Drama, which was a Hit at Sundance earlier this year, picked-up the Future Prize and is about a 22-year-old Man’s final day on New Year’s Eve 2008.
Clearly on the Awards Trail and release dates scheduled for later this year, perhaps we can expect Nebraska, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Past and Blue is the Warmest Colour to surface in Toronto at TIFF this September?
Complete list of Winners here.
(Photo credit: Quat’sous Films)
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