Fanmi
A short but simple film that was deemed Oscar-worthy, Fanmi focuses strongly on family bonds. Martine (Marie-Evelyne Lessard) is feeling upset about her recent breakup, but nothing can cure that better than some quality time with her mother Monique (Mireille Métellus). After Monique arrives at the airport they settle down at Martine’s place for some dinner, but neither of them are too hungry. Next morning, Martine heads out to work and while she’s out, Monique goes to a doctor’s appointment and discovers some bad news about herself. However, the two have a close personal talk about their problems on a park bench and have a moment of comfort with each other. Then a more closer personal moment at home in the evening. It’s a saddening tale about two close people who each have their own problems but they find a way to persevere in one of the most powerful ways for both family and friends: Communication. With very little dialogue, few scenes, and a small amount of time, this comes out as one of the most wholesome films. No wonder it got nominated for an Oscar.
No Ghost in the Morgue
To go for the even more dark of tones, we start out with a film taking place at a hospital specifically in the most morbid area: the morgue. We then cut to Keity Richardson (Shelby Jean-Baptiste), a medical student who takes an internship in pathology because there’s nowhere else for her to go at the moment. Keity accepts it and works alongside Dr. Rouleau (Michel Laperriere) who shows quite a bit of enthusiasm in his job. Unfortunately, Dr. Rouleau gets called out to testify in a court case so Keity finds herself working with Erykah (Ariane Berube), a no-nonsense co-worker who tells her what it’s like having interns there (they usually don’t last) and people believing the morgue is haunted. Being in the morgue however makes Keity uncomfortable day after day, and I found myself feeling equally queasy. Erykah suggests Keity stay around a little more and try to take Dr. Rouleau’s advice of seeing the dead body still as a person. Keity’s mother however reaches out to offer a transfer to her hospital as she works in the medical business too. What does Keity decide to do? The film can be dark and disturbing to some people, but to others they may have a deeper understanding of it if they’ve experienced it before. It’s not only dramatic with some humour to it, but it’s got a very realistic message about discovering where you belong, especially if you want to continue family traditions. Who do you want to be? This film may answer that for you, and I know you’ll figure things out easily.
