SILVER

French director Céline Sciamma follows her critically acclaimed 2019 drama PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE with a tender, poetic piece about grief, childhood and empathy — with an added dash of magical realism. Following the death of her grandmother, Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) is taken to her mother's childhood home. While her parents clean out the house, she explores the surrounding woods, where she encounters a girl (Gabrielle Sanz) her same age who bears a striking resemblance to her — and who shares the name of Nelly's mother, Marion. The two quickly become friends, and their time together reveals a poignant and eye-opening relationship between the past and present. PETITE MAMAN continues Sciamma's exploration of feminine connection, propelled by a pair of subtly powerful performances from its young stars and lush, autumnal cinematography from frequent collaborator Claire Mathon. Audience Award, 2021 San Sebastián International Film Festival. Official Selection, 2021 Berlin and Toronto film festivals. DIR/SCR Céline Sciamma; PROD Bénédicte Couvreur. France, 2021, color, 72 min. In French with English subtitles. NOT RATED 

No AFI Member passes accepted.