Human traffic

Radio Canada International presents Migr@tions, four programmes of international shorts on the touchy topic of immigration

by CHRISTOPHER SYKES

As the election circus winds up once again, black-powder political topics like immigration are being avoided by some and pushed by others. Yet even the most staunchly opposed critic has to concede that Canucks ain’t breedin’ like they used to. Our birth dearth means Canadian women bear only 1.5 little Timbit-munchers over their lifespan. Around 60 per cent of our net population growth will come from immigration this decade. As baby boomers age, the “haves” are forced to rethink immigration policy whether they want to or not.

Radio Canada International commissioned Migr@tions as a borderless forum for independent filmmakers to express their views on the subject in the oft-ignored form of the short. Most are understandably pathos-heavy conversation starters, showcasing the struggles encompassing the topic. The good folks at RCI have worked through the hundreds of submissions from around the globe and chosen some standouts.

The Artist Who Became a Plumber (U.K., directed by Mahmoud Mushatat) tells the story of Iraqi refugee Ammar Al-Kindi, who fled Iraq for Jordan after being accused of refusing to paint Saddam Hussein’s portrait. Despite interest in Al-Kindi’s artwork by galleries and even the Jordanian royal family, he must choose between artistic success in the Middle East and a stable life in England.

Sarean (Spain, directed by Asier Altuna) is a powerful comment on EU asylum policy. A fictional fishing troller harvests the sea for African refugees instead of cod. Though it clocks in at only four minutes, it’s frantic and visually stimulating.

The Atelier collectif from Belgium have created a concise and entertaining animated short entitled Transit. Split into two parts, it combines a rapid-fire diagram on the perils of immigration and a historic look into worldwide modern migration. It’s informative despite the sombre theme.

Starting October 13, all 80 finalist shorts will participate in an online competition you can vote on at www.rciviva.ca/migrations/. But everyone knows film looks best on the big screen, and Montrealers have an opportunity to view a 90-minute collection of the films at Cinéma du Parc each of the preceding four Thursday evenings. Despite the micro-budgets of the material, there promises to be a lot to see.

MIGR@TIONS SCREENS AT CINÉMA DU
PARC IN FOUR SESSIONS: STARTING
TONIGHT, THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
AT 9:15 P.M. SEE LISTINGS FOR DETAILS.

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