VUES D’ AFRIQUE FILM FESTIVAL 2019

Ushering in its 35^th year, this exotic international festival brings us all genres of films that tell their own riveting African stories.  156 films to stimulate, enlighten and tickle your funny bone, this international festival bravely shines the African sun into our own realm. And we learn more things under this sun.

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LA MISÉRCORDE DE LA JUNGLE (Directed by Joel Karakezi) ****

The second war in Congo in 1988 pits Rwandans against Congolese. Sergeant Xavier and Faustin, a young soldier get cuts off from their unit. They must travel through the jungle to reach safety. But this is not an easy feat. They even disguise themselves as Congolese, and get taken in by a village that teats them like family. The lines of loyalty get blurred. Tragedy stalks them, but the jungle trek went on too long, and one wonders why they are not bitten alive. One also wonders why the sergeant’s fabulous watch is not stolen from him at the end which was not clear at all.

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 LE PROCES 2.0 (Directed by Nadia Zouaoui)

Nadia ZouaouiAdd caption

Bombarded with hate mail both digitally and in letters by Fascist Quebeckers who hate her head wear, her sex and her religion, Nadia has calmly and with great poise confronted it all. The film bombarded us with the same points shown in different ways, but it was far too long and as such her poignant doc was weakened. Quebec’s Charter of Values set forth by by Pauline Marois and her gang of cowards once again resurrected with the CAQ party. I honestly believe Quebec can’t change; choosing such appalling anti-humanist views is as old as the priests that once ran the schools and churches here.
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MANNO CHARLEMAGNE UN HOMME UNE VIE


A great Haitian singer/guitarist/actor who takes us through the history of music via great singers from Haiti and beyond. Ranna was the way of the people to express themselves via dance and singing. He exiled himself to Montreal as his anti-Duvalier songs became a threat to his own life. 
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FIG TREE (Directed by Alamork Davidian)

Confusing and chronologically hard to follow, the film makes 16-year-old Mina the central heroine of this Ethiopian tale involving love, sacrifice and the prospect of a new home in Israel. Mina loves her cousin, Eli, so she does everything to subvert the pending immigration to Israel if it means Eli is not coming along. kidnapping youths though is the way of war, and Eli's future is bad. it's the director's first feature film and it shows. She needs a better editor. Rodas Gizaw as Mina was outstanding.

FIFA INTO ITS 37TH YEAR OF INSPIRING DOCUMENTARIES

If you are a lover of all things cultural, artistic and visionary, FIFA is the finest film festival for you to attend. Each cinematic story holds a mirror up to the world’s finest artists in different fields. We learn intimate details about their personal and professional journeys.

Reviews follow 

BOTERO
 (Directed by Don Millar)
Canadian premiere

This compelling and inspiring documentary film brings to life one of the world;s most acclaimed living artists. In fact, he is the greatest artist ever viewed in museums, and books about him sell better than any other artist!

The film holds up a factual mirror to Fernando Botero, shining light on his personality and art. This Columbian visionary later became a sculptor, but he painted first off. His enormous figurative sculptures stand as monumental beacons for everyone to enjoy, even laugh at and climb over them. They are now in almost every country, standing in squares, outside buildings and along watery paths. With Botero, big is beautiful!


Born is 1932, he came into this world without a silver spoon. His father was a traveling salesman on a donkey, and the young Fernando sold his first painting for 2 pesos in a small store in Medellin.
His trips to Italy, Paris and New York further allowed him to grow as an artist, carving out his own unique style: the big  and distorted would be his signature way; yet he lived as a pauper in small unheated rooms. When later psychoanalysed, it was thought that this enormous size in his figures is attributed to his longing to have a father to protect him; his father died when he was four.
Most of his life is revealed though his two sons and daughter who candidly share many family moments along with explanations of his art
Tragedy and personal struggles entered his journey of life, yet he became the artist that everyone loves, never suspecting he suffered a grave personal loss.
Always believing in his own artistic vision and the goodness of humanity, he donated all the works of art he owned to a museum created in his name in Bogota.

To create something that is a work of art, it must be controversial
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LE PLUS HAUT NIVEAU (THE HIGHEST LEVEL)

National Film Board Production

A fabulous up close and personal reveal of the emotions and doubts that often enter the psyches of these extraordinary musicians who play in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. We see the different orchestra sections  being coached by professionals intent on helping each player understand  the emotions in the music they must perform – in this case: Death and Transfiguration opus 24 by Strauss. In their twenties, these emerging musicians are working in preparation for their cross Canada 12-city tour. They cover 17,000 kilometres with little sleep and time to practice “on the road”. The film has many of these young artists talking about their experience in the orchestra.

 Once a band member myself, and as a classical pianist, I related to their  their joy of making music with other talented peers. 
                                                     
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JEANNE MOREAU L’AFFRANCHIE (Directed by Virginie Linhar)

Jeanne Moreau was France’s iconic film star whose prolific cinematic career spanned the mid 20^h century. She was a woman who formed intense relationships with her directors. She married Louis Malle, Pierre Cardin; and other men, including Belmondo, Truffault and Orsen Wells fell under her spell. Later in life, her filmography included roles that emancipated the woman (A Man and a Woman; Jules et Jim). In reality she herself became totally liberated from stereotypes, and lived her golden years with ferocity freely. She was never without work.

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WHEN ARABS DANCED (Directed by Jawal Rhalib)

Morocco and Egypt, Algeria and Iran, the story is always the same. Before the Fatwa and before Islamic aggression.  Arab women danced in public and at home. Belly dancing is in fact the oldest form of dance. Now it is not only forbidden, a woman can lose her life for dancing. How pathetic that famous Arabic dancers of the past have been wiped from the annals of dance history by the government. Dance is done but in centres that the dancers call their own revolution.The film goes on for too long and repeats the same shot fo women dancing. The point is hammered in the same way no matter the country filmed.  Old black and white film clips and present day testimony tell the poignant tragic theme.

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UNE JOIE SECRÈTE (Directed by Jérôme Cassou)

Jérôme Cassou

On January 7, 2015, Charlie Hebdo was gun down. His important satirical magazine was the voice of reason against Fascism. Thus began the one minute dance project where dancers around the world dance for one minute. We see all kinds of dancers finding their own way to move in environments at home, outside in the rain, in squares and more places that the public sees and doesn't see. It is a strange but wonderful film that bucks the notion that dance belongs only on stage or in front of an audience outside.

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 TRUE WARRIORS (Directed by Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel & Niklas                        Schenckul

A theatre troupe is putting on a play about killings in Kabul. These fearless actors dare all to show the devastation of hatred Taliban-terror style. In the middle of their show an explosion rips through the audience. Chaos and killing converge. This compelling documentary about the actors and how they dealt with the aftermath of this murderous event is touching whilst showing the ongoing courage of some who decide to keep on living in Kabul. Others left to live in Europe. A must-see film that has close-up monologues of the main actors and director involved.

                                                                                                      

EVELYNE BOUTIQUE DRESSES WOMEN AND KIDDIES’ BEAUTIFULLY IN ALL CANADIAN-MADE APPAREL

Canadian clothing designed with authenticity and originality

Evelyne wearing a Birds of North America pant suit

Evelyne Shannon Drouin is passionate about fashion, but not just any kind. The clothing she sells in her beautiful store is made in Canada. Although each item in the collections of 17 brands offers its own unique style, each shares the same attributes. The material is natural; the item must be highly original and a Canadian-made creation. In fact, she sells brands from Quebec, BC and Ontario.

“We go for distinct styles. Most of our clothings is made from natural fibres. This feels lovely against the skin. We have classic cuts that fit, flatter and enhance the client’s silhouette. There is something for every body type. We want our clients to come and shop here for one-of-a kind clothes and accessories    that make them feel good and lifts their mood.”

Variety in Canadian Clothing Content

Walking into her store, I felt a cocoon of calm settling over me. The notably distinct clothing designs had their own natural allure. The classic, the dainty and the different delighted my eye and had its ‘wow’ effect’ on me.  I looked forward to wearing a creation that was completely made in Canada and cut locally with care and love

“People should know that our clothes do not come from any sweat shop. Nothing is made overseas. Everything is ethically and locally made and most items are made from natural fibers.”

Evelyne holding up clothes  by Jennifer Glasgow

Dynamic Designers

I discovered that natural neutral colours are key to sophistication and subtlety.

I loved the long-sleeved dress shirt sporting gentle blue stripes. Then again, a colourful blouse and a polka dot number beckoned me. 

Everything is unique, and because of the high standards of quality, the collections are timeless keepers. Whether it be a pant suit, a print dress or a stand-out top, you’ll discover this store has widespread product. Evelyne coyly showcased some items. She herself was wearing a  pant suit designed by Birds of North.

Evelyne holding up dresses by Cherry Bobin

Cards and Bibs

Moving to the left area of the boutique, my eye caught a catchy corner of greeting cards. You’ll find some whimsical post cards with wonderful phrases on the front – each referring to different situations. Of course everything is hand-made in the maple-leaf nation. 

Take a look at the cute baby bibs and kiddie clothes near the cards. 

Talk about style for toddlers!

Foodie and Spice Connoisseurs

Brimming in gifts, the store has widespread product appeal. There’s a variety of bitters within the collection of mixology. Syrups and La Pincée – a line of mixed spices, peppers and fresh ground herbs in single jars certainly make an original gift. Also on the foodie table are attractive containers for butter, garlic, salt and sundry containers.  Foodie accessories abound here.

 Enjoy meandering and discovering the pot-pourri of Canadian-made goodie

How about adding colourful comfort to your home? The throws and pillows add variety pop, not to mention snooze comfort.

I admired the interesting jewellery by Louve

Jewellery… Simple and stunning

Finally, the extraordinary jewellery is beautiful to behold, it has a quiet dazzle factor. The glittering pair of gold quartz earrings yanked my chain. Long earrings with slither thin lace had its own exotica, as did the wonderful wood pendants of the necklaces. Organic and original, they seemed to embody Evelyne’s philosophy of natural simplicity. These treasures are also framed on the wall, so look up and  down at the showcase to find what suits you.

Jewellery by Pilar Agueci

Jewellery by This Ilk

Evelyne

Evelyne, a Woman of Excellence

Named after her beloved grandmother from which she herself got her name, Evelyne launched her store in mid-2016. Her experience and connections in the fashion world came from working in the wholesale end of things, even having her own agency, called Bold. Grouping her favourite designers from which she selected 17 compelling collections, she launched Evelyne widespread appeal.

A woman devoted to others, Evelyne offers private consultations on choosing what’s right for you. Clothes make the woman here, and the clothing is a treat for us. But Evelyne has a few surprises up her own sleeve. She’s an avid cook and has a bold hobby: boxing. Will wonders never cease? Not as long as Evelyne and her boutique are here.

 

Evelyne Boutique is located at 5127 Sherbrooke West, Montreal,

Check out her website: www.evelyneboutique.com 

Call: (514)903-6554

Arion Baroque Orchestra

CHORAL VOICES CONVERGE ON PURCELL’S MANY FACES AS ARION EXPRESSES IT ALL IMMACULATELY.

Arion Concert, Bourgie Hall, January 13^th, 2 p.m.

Andrew McAnerney

The moment Andrew McAnerney’s choir began to sing with Arion Baroque Orchestra’s playing, the world stood still. The choir’s sublime tonal harmony cast a continual spell on us all as Mr. McAnerney gently wafted his baton, conducting the sixteen choral members of his choir, Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal of which he is the artistic director.

Opening the 2019 season with an all-Purcell program, the concert featured three of the 17^th-century composer’s solemn anthems which were played at funerals during the English composer’s life. The first one we heard, Thou Knowest Lord the Secret of our Hearts was expressly written for the composer’s own funeral, and was indeed played at his burial in 1695.

Hear my Prayer, O Lord followed, and then came the memorable Jehova, quam multi sun hostes mei.  This almost modern-in-feel daring work was striking in its lyric and expression, as the amazing tenor, Nils Brown, sang with command the first part of the lyric. Then baritone, Normand Richard exclaimed like a call to arms, “Surge Surge Jehova…. “

tenor, Nils Brown

baretone, Normand Richard

The pair expressed this work’s Latin lyric with such intense conviction, we felt we were beginning to feel Purcell’s depth, not to mention, we immediately wanted to go out and relearn our Latin from school.

This third anthem focused on foes. It featured some vivid, even violent descriptions: “Strike all my enemies on the jaw, break the teeth of the wicked.” This, he implores the Lord to do. No mincing words here!

Purcell ‘s sacred music demands a perfect if not restrained balance of unified tonal vocals that highlight polyphonic passages. This was majestically achieved by the singers’ as they followed the direction of their sagacious choir master, Mr. McAnerney.

Versatility, melodic inventiveness and baroque fugues jumped from rhythmic lightness and alacrity to robust attacks such as in the Welcome to All the Pleasures – the final piece on this outstanding program characterized the composer’s musical ingenuity. Never a dull moment!

soprano, Stephanie Manias

What a delight to hear Mme Stephanie Manias angelic soprano voice, and when it intertwined  in one part with soprano, Rebecca Dowd’s, stunning voice, we felt we had touched heaven. It was as if these two twittering song birds guided us there for just a brief moment.  Likewise, counter tenor, Nicholas Burns was hypnotic in his heart-felt mellifluous delivery – a striking comparison to Nils Brown’s dramatic delivery in this joyous work.

counter tenor, Nicholas Burns

One must also mention that Claire Guimond’s Arion Baroque Orchestra made its own celestial instrumental voice heard both in Chaconne pour cordes et basse continue en sol mineur, Z.730, and also in the Overture of the Ode for the Celebration of Sainet Cécile.

Invigorating at times, lofty with lingering sweetness at other times, 

Purcell work is brimming with colourful contrasts as heard in a minuet, jig, and air in the Ouverture et suite pour la piece Abdelazer or The Moor’s Revenge.

It was a matinee concert of divine music; it held up a highly polished mirror to Purcell’s many faces

One hopes Purcell who lived only 35 years is listening to his own music in Heaven.

One hopes to see more collaboration between Arion Baroque Orchestra and the Studio de Musique Ancienne

Don’t miss Arion’s fourth illustrious concert of the season, titled Les Écrivains de l’Âme. It features the compositions of Haydn, Mozart and Rossini with invited guest, clarinetist, Lorenzo Coppola. This concert takes place on March 14-17.

For more information, visit the website: www. arionbaroque.com or call 514-355-1825.

MUCH TO DO ABOUT EVERYTHING FOR SEASON FINALE

Enrico Onofri

One sure bet with Arion is the program never stints on choices and quantity. Illustrious guests offering world-class virtuoso playing is also a sure bet, such as witnessed during the matinee concert on May 5 inside Arion’s home turf (Bourgie Hall). Titled, A Little Night Music, the concert featured, violinist Enrico Onofri – a popular Arion guest favourite in his dual role as conductor and performer. His comfy rapport with Arion’s baroque string players is utterly pleasing.   

Composers on the program included Biber, Barsanti, Vivaldi, Boccherini and Mozart. Each piece captured the goings-on of night life, especially in Boccherin’s La Musica notturna delle strade di Madrid. Instrumental suitability vividly set the scene for all kinds of various street life. The parade at the end with its final diminuendo was mesmerizing. So softly was the fade of instruments you could almost see the street musicians of the night disappearing in the distance.

Vivaldi’s Concerto in G minor was compelling as flutist Claire Guimond dialogued with violin and basse continue. The expressive performance spun a tapestry of breathtaking techniques, thereby conveying a variety of delicate and robust flavours - colorful music to evoke night-time surprises. This work had an almost avant-garde approach to instrumental roles. The largos and prestos offered exciting contrasts to one another – as did his Sinfonia tirée de la serenade.

All kinds of bowing and rhythms greeted our ears in almost every piece. The concert ended with Mozart’s Serenata nottura, K.239 for two violins, alto, bass, strings and kettledrums. Part-way through, one of maestro Onofri’s strings broke.  The unexpected happens when music of the night reaches the stars.  

Next season's  five concerts feature works by Telemann, Bach, Mozart, and Handel.
Book your tickets now. Call, (514) 355-1825. 
The website is www.arionbaroque.com

ARBORETUM IS A TREE TREAT EVEN IN ICY SNOW

The arboretum is an untouched canopy of thousands of trees for you to walk among – no matter the season. Today, despite the icy trails, I made my way into the forest to photograph the various tree formations and skyline with its blue and blurry sun mirage peering through.

I traveled along the new 4-kilometre trail well marked and soon to open once snow falls formidably. This picturesque wide path is actually a cross-country-skating trail. 

                                                         Wax those skis!

Enjoy the various tree-intricate photos below. No matter the conditions, here the magic has its own seasonal effect. Uprooted trunks take on a  diverse sculpted form. Nothing surpasses nature's own art.

Read about my other trip here

SUPER GRID (Directed by Lowell Dean) ***

A kind of Blade Runner takes on a disease that is wiping out the world. The jacks and the mob control things, but the Campbells, two brazenly brave edgy brothers who lost their own sister in a run ordered by the mob, decide to deal with the mob’s head honcho once and for all. As luck would have it, they find three vials that provide the cure for the disease. Will they manage to hold onto them, their lives and save others? A gritty Canadian film with great special effects and violence that is not over the top. WolfCop star, Leo Fafard takes on yet another futuristic apocalyptic heroic role. Not a dull moment in this grid.