Montreal, Monday, March 19, 2018 – The RIDM+ monthly documentary series, presented by the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM), screens new auteur documentaries from February through June. The entry for March is the Canadian premiere of one of France’s top documentaries of 2017, Last Days in Shibati (Derniers jours à Shibati) by Hendrick Dusollier. The film will be screened on Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Cinéma du Parc.
For several years, French director Hendrick Dusollier has been filming the modernization of Chinese villages. This long-term project has led to Babel, a short hybrid documentary/animation film, and Last Days in Shibati, which earned him the grand prize in the French competition at last year’s Cinéma du réel festival. Dusollier’s long-term approach to the project has allowed him to build close relationships with three residents of an ancient neighbourhood facing demolition in the city of Chongqing. The filmmaker captures the lives of residents who are forcibly relocated as a result of merciless urban planning policies, as well as the gradual disappearance of an entire culture and way of life.
Spanning several months, Last Days in Shibati invites us into the lives of an old woman, a barber and a little boy, all of whom are caught in a whirlwind of disruptive changes far beyond their control. Rather than trying to hide the strangeness of his presence as a foreigner unschooled in the neighbourhood’s language and customs, Dusollier subtly uses the inevitable clash of cultures to film odd and amusing scenes that gradually build up a foundation of sincere emotion and uncommon empathy. This is a film that pays close attention to people, allowing viewers to develop remarkable awareness of one facet of a fast-changing China.
The RIDM+ series is presented by Télé-Québec.
LAST DAYS IN SHIBATI directed by Hendrick Dusollier
France | 2017 | 60 minutes | In the original Cantonese, with French subtitles
Trailer: vimeo.com/237424367
Canadian premiere at RIDM+, Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m., at Cinéma du Parc
Purchase tickets online: http://bit.ly/RIDMplusmars
UPCOMING SCREENING:
RIDM+ April
THE OTHER SIDE OF EVERYTHING by Mila Turajlic – Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Serbia/France/Qatar | 2017 | 100 minutes | In the original Serbian, with French subtitles
Quebec’s only film festival dedicated to documentaries, the Montreal International Documentary Festival presents the best reality‐based films, including the works of established directors and new talents.
The 21st annual RIDM will take place from November 8 to 18, 2018
Information: www.ridm.ca / info@ridm.ca
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To request interviews, Vimeo link or visual material, please contact:
Caroline Rompré | publicist | 514-778-9294 | caroline@pixellex.ca