My Life as a Zucchini
Thu, May 25, 2017 at 7pm
VTIFF Presents: My Life as a Zucchini (Ma vie de courgette)
Sponsored by Main Street Landing
Directed by Claude Barras
Switzerland/France | French w/ English Subtitles | 2016 | 70 min
Rated PG-13
Collaborating with scriptwriter Céline Sciamma, (Girlhood and Tomboy), Barras creates a balance of dark and light and is unafraid to tackle themes where other films just scratch the surface. The film is never cloying and yet manages to find inspiration in this group of kids who have seen it all as they are removed from their harsh environments marred by abuse, addiction and death. This is a film that will interest adults as much as children. Stop-motion animation and superb character design and color palette, lift this simple story to heights rarely found in live action films coming of age. “I’m here because I think I killed my mom,” the big-eyed, blue-haired boy who goes by the name Zucchini tells one of his new not-yet-quite-friends at the orphanage where is sent to and where he begins to learn the meaning of trust and true love.
