An unconventional activist epic, filmed in Greece over several years among the many refugees and amidst some of the mass demonstrations that have rocked the country. The film is at once an essay, guerrilla journalism and poetic portrait. It tackles the socio-political upheavals of a country that stands alone in bringing down the western neoliberal model.

Fighting Through the Night

Animal Macula is the result of in-depth archaeological work into the depiction of animals in world cinema over the past 125 years. From the bulk of this sometimes memorable and sometimes forgotten work, Sylvain L’Espérance provides a thoughtful compilation that highlights the complex, troubled, and often violent relationship between humans and animals. The masterful editing presents a sprawling network imbued with meaning, letting the images speak for themselves and interact freely with each other. With this fascinating film, L’Espérance continues a cinematic exploration that opens up new avenues in his work. Despite a tendency toward abstraction, the filmmaker seems increasingly anchored in reality, showcasing an admirably lucid creativity.

Animal Macula

Far from a picture-perfect postcard, this film offers a personal view of the Minganie landscapes in Quebec’s Côte-Nord region. Following the rhythm imposed by the elements, Sylvain L'Espérance patiently observes the sea, plants, rocks, and clouds cohabitate and their interactions with the contrasting sunlight.