Presented in collaboration with

In this summertime of carefree escapism, Tënk has teamed up with the Carrousel international du film de Rimouski to bring you a selection of films aimed at young audiences, as well as older ones, whether or not they're still children.

This layover’s focus is on the link between adults and children. The five films selected address the theme of transmission, i.e. how adults pass on their knowledge and values to future generations, and how the latter integrate and reinterpret them. Observing the act of transmission in action is tantamount to observing the construction of society itself. Whether at school or in the family, there's always something to learn, discover, embrace or question. However, if it's worthwhile, it's not always easy, because, as Aristotle said: "the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet".

Fortunately, cinema comes to the rescue. Yes, cinema is here to help us all grow together!

The school of life

Montreal. Parc-Extension neighbourhood. Children of all ethnic origins. A firm but warm teacher. Welcome to La classe de Madame Lise. Sylvie Groulx spent a year here, revealing what's at stake in this unique classroom. Here, not only do we learn to read and speak French, but we also learn to live together, to know ourselves and others. If the school often reflects the society to which it belongs, then this film is essential viewing for anyone wishing to better understand Canadian multiculturalism and the challenges that accompany it.

Change of scenery. We're now at the heart of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec, where for a year we'll be following a group of teenagers who have chosen to put everything aside to pursue their dream of becoming star dancers. Director Christine Chevarie-Lessard casts a frank yet compassionate eye on these young people as their bodies contort in pain. The road to perfection is paved with obstacles, disillusionment and sometimes intense joy. A Delicate Balance paints a captivating portrait of these young people who have opted for the path of difficulty, in a world where teachers, however benevolent they may be, are always exceptionally demanding.

Family life

Sometimes we're not always comfortable with our parents' choices. Sometimes we even feel embarrassed by their little eccentricities. For example, when a parent decides that a rooster has the right to live in the house, the whole family may feel a hankering for "coq au vin" just to put an end to the gallinaceous creature's despicable behaviour. With Tungrus, Mumbai-born director Rishi Chanda offers us an amusing philosophical reflection on the family, and on the formidable ability to cohabitate and refuse to ruffle one another's feathers!

Summer is often the time when parents abandon their children to their grandparents. In doing so, they enjoy the luxury of no longer being bothered by their little ones. Perhaps they also hope that their offspring will benefit from the wisdom of their elders. Claude Delafosse, the eternal troublemaker of children's literature, is not wise at all. And when he steps behind the camera to make How I Got My Wrinkles, it's the perfect opportunity to teach his grandson how to sow one’s wild oats. Through the eyes of this mischievous spirit, viewers will learn that cinema is truly magical!

Grandmothers are true wells of knowledge. Let's take this opportunity to ask them about traditional First Nations moccasins. But it's not that simple, especially in the presence of a camera. Nothing About Moccasins is a fabulous reflection on cinema and intergenerational transmissions of knowledge. The film plunges us with humour into the heart of customs that don't need to be fully apprehended by the inquisitive eye of the lens to be appreciated. Eden Mallina Awashish's first film was made with the support of the Wapikoni Mobile team, an organization that has been sharing its love of cinema with First Nations youth for many years. Hats off to them!

Guillaume Allain
Artistic Director
Carrousel international du film de Rimouski

Synopsis

A word from Tënk