9 short films are in competition this year to win the small Palme d'Or. To represent the France, an animated film among the 2 or 3 best that we could see in projection. If overall, the level of films is a little higher than those of last year, some are disappointing which makes us wonder about the selection criteria.
1 – The ceiling of Teppo Airaksinen (Finland):
Olavi is a father who divorces and goes into exile in his cottage by the sea. After realizing that the ceiling of his house was going down, he receives a visit from his neighbor friend accompanied by his daughter. The latter suggests that he do something about this ceiling but Olavi is against it. He is convinced that he came down as a result of his separation. He thinks that the more accepting the situation, the more likely his ceiling will be to rise, allowing him to oppress him less.
We can only admit that the story is original, and the situations funny. This little film passes very quickly until a well-conceived end. Despite the hectic camera movements, we rather appreciate this short. Not bad!
2 – Pepe the walrus by Lucrezia Andreae (France)
The of the family has just died. Her crazy and weird little family follows grandma who wants to go to the beach to meditate.
Despite drawings not very beautiful but fun, a successful animation gives Pepe the walrus a real soul that arouses all our interest. We feel embarked on the walk of this strange family who cry, laugh, and scream incessantly. A beautiful tribute to our very franchouillard spirit and the beautiful Normandy beaches surrounded by large wild dunes. Funny, phantasmagorical … That is excellent.
3 – A drowing man by Mahdi Fleifel (Denmark, United Kingdom, Greece)
A young Palestinian living in exile in Greece tries to survive poverty. His daily life: taxing cigarettes, and a few euros to be able to eat. When he comes across an acquaintance who asks him to steal a pair of shoes in exchange for a few coins, he does not hesitate.
Without dwelling on the surroundings (the city, the country, the people…) The director takes all the time to film the protagonist's boredom. Even if his situation is critical, he can hardly make it more exciting. Very average.
4 – Lunch time by Alireza Ghasemi (Iran)
A 15-year-old girl wants to see her mother's body in the morgue. Despite a refusal because of her age, she finally acceded to it.
Another teenage imagery, another gifted and precocious young actress. It is she who is shown from the beginning to the end of the 15 minutes of this film. His journey and his sadness are deep subjects that we quickly pay attention to. Mention Quite good.
5 – Accross my land by Fiona Godivier (USA)
An American family from the American South, a prayer before every meal, an unfailing patriotism. The son practices dismantling a rifle with his military father, and the daughter does fun activities with her mother. Outside, the Mexican border, and a wall running across the horizon.
A staging that speaks for itself shows all the tension that lurks along these borders. A short film that reminds us of Jonas Cuaron's thrilling Desierto in which a group of immigrants crossing the border at night found themselves the target of an American hunter and his dog. In Accross my land, it is soldiers who guard the surroundings. One night, the drama is not far away and the consequence hits us in the face. Very well.
6 – End of the parlour of Grzegorz Molda (Poland)
Marta is a mechanic in her father's garage. She regularly goes to see her boyfriend in prison. Arrested for drug trafficking, he has 2 or 3 years unless he testifies and denounces his sponsor. The day she tells him that she is pregnant, he confesses to her that it is her father who is responsible for her imprisonment. Marta is then faced with a difficult decision to choose between her father, her lover and their future child.
With talent, the charming Zofia Domalik manages perfectly to convey the emotions that Marta goes through. The young director takes advantage of a very convincing trio of actors to tell a story based on a woman's choices between the 3 loves of her life: her fiancé, her father and her child. excellent
7 – A Sweet Night by Qiu Yang (China)
Parents living in the suburbs are looking for their 13-year-old daughter who never came home from school. The longest night of their lives will begin.
Filmed in 4/3, this short film is provided with a beautiful colorful image and a photography of the most attractive. But… That's all. If the night is long for this couple, the film is also long for the viewer. Reaching the end of the boredom, the end remains open concerning the fate of the girl. More than average.
8 – Damiana by Andres Ramirez Pulido (Colombia)
A group of young girls deep in the jungle are dragged and raised by a tough woman. A training worthy of that of American soldiers.
With a speech similar to the sergeant's memorable lines in Full metal jacket, the film almost never shows the face of this strong woman. Apart from this passage, where every sentence she utters is said louder and louder, nothing happens for 15 minutes. Bad.
9 – Push it by Julia Thélin (Sweden)
In a gymnasium, a class of teenagers follows their sports lessons. The synopsis of the movie claims that it is about never being able to win, even if you are the best.
Despite this interesting and overarching intention, it is poorly told because a real story is missing from the film. Where we follow the exercises of this class, we just have the impression of watching the amateur film of a father coming to see his children at training. Very bad.
With 2 or 3 interesting short films, we already have our podium on which will probably appear this little Palme d'Or. The award will be presented on Sunday 28 May at the opening ceremony. Between Pepe the walrus, Accross my land , or Fin du parloir, let's hope that it returns to the French animated film.
