Breadcrumbs (Directed by Manane Rodriguez) ***

                             Female Fortitude Endures Torture in Fascist Uruguay

In 1976, students and older resistance workers ran a clandestine operation of printing false passports in Montevideo’s “House of Figs”, so people could escape from the dictatorship - a reign of terror that affected those critical of the regime.  This exceptionally gripping film vividly shows the torture and imprisonment of many – particularly, Liliana – the prime heroic protagonist who was captured and tortured along with those she worked with (in secret) to combat the terror.

 

When she is taken, a never-ending nightmare becomes her fate – until 1982 when she is released. She is now a photographer. The cathartic finale to this political ordeal also involves Liliana’s reconciliation with her alienated son, and the pursuit of justice against the perpetrators, as the brave women tell their stories at a press conference in 2012.

   



The acting of Cecilia Roth who plays   Liliana (post-prison), and Justina Bustos (the young heroine) is phenomenal.

 

DUST (Directed by Gödze Kurai ***

When Azra’s mother dies, she is charged with taking her ashes to Afghanistan. She must leave Turkey to do this. In Kabul, she plunges into trying to unravel more about her mother’s life.

 

 An old tattered diary written by her mother is given to her by a friend. In trying to find out the contents of the diary, she discovers that Kabul’s chaotic landscape is stained with treachery and horror that has trickled down to affect her very identity and that of her older brother. 

The film is slow moving, and rather confusing as the important mystery about her mother’s life unfolds. The director is from Turkey, and one suspects there might be some biographical elements in the script.

TIGER THEORY (Directed by Radek Bajger) ****

Try Dementia When You Want out of a Marriage 

                                               
A sixty-something hubby feigns Alzheimer’s and he goes to a home. His wife never catches on that he’s faking it. His sons are let into the secret. They end up floating on a river in a pretty cool make-shift boat. He becomes a hermit. A Czech film of humour which also reflects the conflicts couples endure during a marriage.

Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve

                                  GOOGLE TREKKER COMES TO MAP IT ALL

As one of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s coveted areas, the Alfred-Kelly Nature Preserve in the Laurentians, Quebec has embarked on yet another ambitious project. I was there to see it in action on its first day.

As a curious tag-along, I watched Annie Ferland, the reserve’s project manager co-ordinator strap giant George to her back.

So who is George? He’s Google’s unique 50- pound camera contraption that is cumbersome but effective. Although it looks like it belongs more in a Star Wars movie, than on the back of an avid A-K team member George’s 15 lenses  easily shoots pictures every 2.5 seconds while capturing a 360-degree view of the preserve’s impressive landscape.

 By next year, people at home will be able to instantly view key areas of some of the reserve’s 16 kilometres of trails on their computer. Planning can be made to visit your favourite part of the preserve, or arm-chair trail fans around the world can enjoy the panoramic virtual experience without having to move any leg muscles.

Master-computer minded lucky Luc was there to show the team how George works. He along with Annie and Mark, one of reserve’s volunteers, took turns hoisting George on their backs during the trail shoots. I noted after their segments of shooting, their spirits did not wane, despite the burden to their bodies.

Personally, I love the element of surprise when I immerse myself in nature for hiking or trail blazing, and many like-minded Luddites may agree, but having this reserve along with 13 other Nature Conservancy properties earmarked in this way vividly provides detailed exact visuals of the reserve.

I learned a fair bit about the area as I hiked with Claude Bourque,  the biologist and president of the CRPF  whose mandate is to protect, educate and raise awareness of  the  unique biodiversity of the Conservancy's lands.

 

 

Varied views with distinctive terrains under foot were lovely – something George will   be showing. Overhead, we spotted turkey vultures and ravens. A-K has a northerly nesting site site at its upper reach of a pair of peregrine falcons – a 2010 miracle, considering that for 50 years the species had disappeared from the area.  In fact, 80% of all bird of prey species in the province have been found here and recorded here; that means 22 of  Quebec’s 27 birds of prey species.

 A seasonal wild life and fauna paradise, rare plant species have been discovered in the  1980's by naturalist Denis Paquette, a botanist and member of the CRPF. He often embarks ubiquitous visits into the rocky escarpment draped in greenery that explodes into view at every turn. 

    

Purple clematis and Holbells' rockcress have been spotted here, and many more plants that remain elusive to the regular forest-goer grow here, and that makes us city-folk green with envy as we stare out at cement buildings and ragweed.

The stunning bio-diversity with its fresh air that surrounds this reserve may account for the fact that cross-country skiing pioneer, Herman Smith-Johannnsen (AKA Jackrabbit), who often  traversed A-K’s trails, lived to the ripe old age of 111!

It would seem the purity of nature’s gifts is shielded here by surrounding cliffs of Prévost and Piedmont – darling villages that proudly offer A-K free of charge for all to enjoy year-round. In fact, all of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s reserves are run by a sea of volunteers and biologists, and basically owned by the citizens; each area thrives only via donations.

I noted how well-maintained the trails are – a challenging feat, considering that they are over 100 years old and rise up to 100 metres in some places. Such is the prodigious dedication that the keepers of Alfred-Kelly physically exert to assure natural longevity for their beloved reserve.

Lake and stone stairs for easy access begin your accent to Lake Paradis – once covered by a glacier that fortuitously created this lake, called a kettle.

Come for the snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking. Rest at one of the two stunning look-out points to take in the vista. 

Only 60 kilometres from Montreal, Alfred-Kelly Nature reserve is a true “everyman’s” place. The natural beauty belongs to you. After visiting the reserve, the name, Alfred Kelly will linger long after you hit the highway to travel to your desk job. But don’t forget, you can still gaze at it all right from your chair next year. 

Take a peek; enjoy the peak!

          

The website is quebec@natureconservancy.ca

Call 1-887-876-5444

SWAYING WATERLILY (Directed by Seren Yüce) ***

 A disturbing comment on modern Turkish family malaise

A couple in their forties live in an upscale apartment with their daughter who is flirting with anorexia, and her ten-year-old boy friend.

                                                                                                                           

The couple is no longer in love, and each is searching for ways to break the tedium of their seemingly purposeless lives.

 They are friends with a couple who are laid back and obviously close. The female is a writer and is enjoying some success, but jealously sets in with her richer female friend,  She tries her own hand at writing, entertains the idea of starting a cafe with her friend, who clearly is not interested.

Things are just wrong. The film immerses us so realistically into the lives of this unfortunate family who can’t move out of their stagnant loveless lives. Outside of Istanbul, its premiere international screening was at the Montreal World Film  Festival.

MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

Lots of films for viewing variety

Ok: you’ve been reading some films I've  reviewed – a few from the FFM (World Film Festival), and in its 40^th year, it may be remembered for the chaos that happened off screen and behind the scene. It was touch and go right up to opening night, as sponsors, Cineplex Forum screening venue and PR guys pulled out because festival founder/director, Serge Losique stayed on. At the age of 85, many felt it was time for him to seek younger blood to direct the festival.  

I credit him for hanging on for so many years, but not knowing all the politics behind the disorganization that affected everyone involved this year, perhaps the writing is on the wall for the festival – or in this case the screen.

I have always enjoyed the accessible factor of the festival that brings youth and energy from directors from oodles of countries. They are affable, open and eager to share their stories face to face in the Q and A (none this year – nor is there a program book).  The audience is an older bunch, and this year, seats and ticket line-ups were not exactly a problem. 

Here are some more reviews of films that are fun to watch if not enriching and curiously revealing about each country’s  distinct cultural flavour and artistic acumen via the unique films that make this festival so stimulating.

THE LAST BIRDS (Directed by Bedir Afsin) *

Slow moving, this Turkish film makes its poignant point about not respecting village customs and rules. When city-dweller, Bekir, comes to visit his parents who live in a Turkish mountain town surrounded by lush forest, he insists on hunting birds. Animals are only to be hunted during the season, but Bekir just wishes to distress and so as he pleases. When bad events ensue, Bekir becomes the patsy for the misfortunes of others. He refuses to listen to his father who repeatedly tells him to stop being arrogant and to adhere and respect to the customs. The Leif motif of a crow cawing, and the background big boom sounds that happen when something bad is about to happen becomes laughable. 

MY ITALY (Directed by Bruno Colella) ***

 

Hilarious and quirky, this Italian work presents a director and his assistant – who attempt to raise money for their documentary film about four international artists who love Italy. The films takes us to several cites in Italy and in other countries. It is a refreshing piece of comedia del arte – contemporary style. It really entertaining and we also get to meet some brilliant artists who have their own troubles.

LONGING FOR A KISS (Directed by Julia Ziesche) **

 

German filmmakers just can’t do comedy. This story about a family with a daughter and mother who get pregnant and keep it a secret for a time is light-hearted but far too light in impact. The message is an one one: searching for love, and finally attaining it no matter the conflicts that problematically prove to be the precursor to happiness.

As Far As The Eye Can See (Directed by David Franklin) **

 

When loner/recluse Jack Ridge consents to appear at the local piano competition as the featured performer inside the little church of the tiny Texan town  (he lives on its outskirts surrounded by acres and acres of land), not-so-jolly Jack does a stupid thing: he puts his fist through the wall of his tumble-down farm house. He has just been hit with divorce papers, and to make matters worse, Herbel Farms is trying to take over his land.

                                                                                                                        

                                          

Jack’s farm has been in the family for seven generations, jack’s wounds go deeper than his injured hand. It takes Alyssa, a sassy 16-year-old country gal to start gardening on his land – against his will. Still she ends up being his best support along with old Philip, his Mexican pal. The day arrives for his playing; the town is eager for Jack to perform again. After all, it’s been 25 years since he won the Van Cliburn Competition, and because of him, their small town earned some fame.

Jack does not want to perform, but he’s able to pull off the Brahms Intermezzo in A-minor (a piece I love to play). However, as he takes his bow, a shocking moment occurs. Maybe, it is the jolt he needed to get on with his life. Jack realizes moving on might be the answer to his stagnant life, and that leaving the farm that’s been in the family for so many generations is his best performance of all.

Jason London as Jack was credible, but the film’s pace slagged slowly, and the ending was a let-down in tone and change of pace. The American director though shows promise.

 

Kamp Holland (Directed by Paval Conen) ****

In Afghanistan, Dutch soldiers find themselves under an unexpected attack. It's nighttime. One seemingly innocent yet sneaky member of the Taliban is slowly approaching the two-tank convoy. The Dutch commander awaits to hear orders from his sergeant: should he shoot or hold fire? But they never come; the sergeant is mute and out of sight. A decision is made with a disastrous outcome.

 One soldier ends up getting killed, and the group is devastated – each knowing that a lie is tearing them apart.

 The results pit the sergeant and the commander into a brooding conflict whose ending is more surprising than any screenwriter could imagine. This is a high action drama with a taut script matched by superb acting.