The Crossing (La traversée)

Wednesday 27 August at 7.30pm

Florence Miailhe | France/Germany/Czech Republic | 2021 | 84 mins | PG violence & coarse language

In co-operation with the Institut Francais and the Embassy of France.

Oil painted on glass creates a fully dreamlike effect in this poignant animation – a refugee story blending fairytale fantasy with realist drama.

“In an unnamed Eastern European country, sister and brother Kyona and Adriel find themselves separated from their parents after their home is destroyed. They have no choice but to make a treacherous journey to cross the border, where they hope safety awaits. From an encounter with a community of street kids and discovering the currency that exists in human lives, the siblings experience the persecution that awaits migrants everywhere…The Crossing is also the first feature-length animation created using oil paint on glass, which makes for a rich texture and breathtaking, experimental visual style. Painter and animator Florence Miailhe has crafted a poignant and memorable work.”—Justin Johnson, London Film Festival 2021

Bold colour choices lend an almost fairytale feel to the sombre subject matter of war and genocide—a reminder that the events are being filtered through the eyes and mind of a child. Winner of Annecy’s Jury Distinction and awards at the Bucheon, Torino and Warsaw film festivals, The Crossing is a visionary, deeply felt and timely tale of courage and survival.”—Melbourne International Film Festival 2022