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Small Country: An African Childhood Petit pays
Synopsis
The son of a French father and Rwandan mother, 10-year-old Gabriel spends idyllic days studying at school and playing with friends in a well-sheltered Burundian community. That is, until the ethnic genocide in neighboring Rwanda spills into his world, threatening families and taking lives. From the semi-autobiographical novel of singer and writer Gaël Faye comes this perceptive and affecting tale of a childhood interrupted and paradise lost.
Screenings & Events
Post-screening discussion led by Professor Maggie O’Brien, DePaul University
Post-screening discussion presented by: 
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The Legend of Molly Johnson
Synopsis
On a small homestead deep in Australia’s Snowy Mountains, Molly Johnson is dead set on survival. With her husband away on a drove, the pregnant matriarch must fend for her family against the wild, threatening countryside. When her secret past gets the town talking, she is pushed to extremes. This blistering neo-western, reimagined from director Lea Purcell’s acclaimed play (itself an adaptation of Henry Lawson’s classic short story), is a riveting examination of race, family, and identity.
Screenings & Events
Post-Screening Discussion
Post-screening discussion with Aaron Carroll, First Secretary-Trade & Economic, Australian High Commission, Canada; Consul-General Chris Elstoft, Australian Consulate-General Chicago.
Post-screening discussion presented by:
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The Book of Fish Jasan-eobo
Synopsis
1801. When a new king ascends the throne, scholar Jeong Yak-Jeon is exiled to a remote island for incorporating Christianity into his Confucian teachings. There, he becomes fascinated with the awesome variety of sea creatures caught by the island’s fishermen and, with one local’s help, authors an encyclopedia of the underwater world. Based on Jeong’s life and Book of Fish, the film is a sweeping account of 19th century Korea and a tender portrait of an unlikely friendship.
Screenings & Events
Post-Screening Discussion
In-person post-screening discussion with Professor Ji-Yeon Yuh, Northwestern University.
Post-screening discussion presented by:
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Poupelle of Chimney Town Entotsu machi no Puperu
Synopsis
Poupelle of Chimney Town is the breathtaking story of young Lubicchi and a man made of garbage, Poupelle. Living among the thick smoke from the chimneys of his isolated town, Lubicchi yearns to see the “stars” — to know the truth — his father always told him about. Adapted from the bestselling picture book, Poupelle of Chimney Town is filled with inspiring performances and splendid music and sound effects and produced at Tokyo’s famed STUDIO4ºC.
Screenings & Events
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Let It Be Morning Vayehi Boker
Synopsis
When Sami returns with his wife and son to his Arabic village for his brother’s wedding, he plans a quick return to Jerusalem, where his business and mistress await. Just as he is leaving, the village is unexpectedly put under lockdown by Israeli soldiers, and Sami finds himself caught in an uneasy web of personal and political intrigues. This adaptation of Sayed Kashua’s 2006 novel mixes wry comedy with a touch of the absurd to create a perceptive, winsome satire.
Screenings & Events
Post-screening discussion presented by:
Media
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212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312.683.0121 | Fax: 312.683.0122
info@chicagofilmfestival.com
