This September, an IC lecture explored the themes of chaos, grief, and time—all through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl from Mexico.
Every month, International Cinema (IC) holds free showings for a selection of international films. These films explore various themes and display a wide array of cultures.
During September 2024, faculty members from across the university presented lectures about four international films before their showings. Among them, Associate Professor Gregory Stallings’s (Spanish Literature and Culture) lecture on the film Tótem (2023) discussed the film's portrayal of anticipatory grief and the importance of familial ties.
“Trauma, Time, and Joy in Tótem” by Gregory Stallings
On September 18, 2024, Stallings began his lecture on the film Tótem by first describing the director, Lila Avilés. A film director, screenwriter, actress, and producer with little to no formal training, Avilés achieved success through hard work and her dedication to the art of filmmaking. Stallings said, “Just ten years ago, [Avilés] was unknown, and now she’s one of the major figures in Mexican cinema.”
Stallings went on to describe the “classic” nature of her films, touching on their excellent portrayals of the human experience—particularly from a Mexican perspective. In Tótem, Avilés explores the impact of a family member’s legacy and how familial relationships can influence one's sense of self. As she jumps from person to person in this film and follows their behavior, she is able to closely examine memory, the passage of time, and the emotional weight of family gatherings, all with the undertones of grief and loss.
Tótem follows seven-year-old Sol as her family prepares a surprise party for her sick father and depicts the dynamics of a family trying to combat grief with assiduousness and chaos. Sol's name means “sun” or “sunshine,” which becomes a metaphor for describing her place in the home. Like the Sun, Sol remains ever-present, taking an observant role: always watching, always observing. Sometimes she sits in a high place within the family home, watching her family members below her as the chaos unravels. “Everything’s filtered through her perceptions,” Stallings said. “Even. . . [when] she’s hiding [from the chaos], you still feel like she’s present.” Through her observant nature, Sol has the time, scope, and ability understand the solemn importance of the gathering despite being sheltered from the reality of her father dying.
Viewers can grow to understand this family’s dynamic as they witness the disarrayed way in which they prepare to say goodbye to their cherished father, brother, son, and husband. “This is not your traditional film about death, right?” Stallings said. “It doesn’t have all the. . . Hollywood plot devices to suck us in emotionally. It doesn’t have major surprises. . . . It really is a slice of life.”
Below is a sampled selection of the films showcased throughout September.
Patema Inverted (2013)
“You're a different creature from the rest of us, and yet, you voluntarily helped us.”
Patema Inverted is a Japanese animated film about Patema, a curious girl living in a society below the surface of the Earth. Fascinated by what she learns about the surface's inverted gravity, she ventures aboveground and becomes trapped. There, she meets Age, a boy who shares her curiosity, and together they uncover the truth behind the inverted gravity and the forces that separate them. The film highlights how understanding reality depends on perspective, encouraging viewers to challenge assumptions and seek unity and empathy in divided situations.
Io Capitano (2023)
“I’m scared I won’t see my mum again. I want to see her and ask her to forgive me.”
Io Capitano is an Italian film about two young men from Dakar, Senegal, seeking a better life in Europe. Escaping a lack of opportunities at home, Seydou and Moussa undertake a perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, facing severe weather, exploitative smugglers, and hostility from other migrants and state authorities. The film tells the story of human resilience and hope, offering an authentic portrayal of migrant experiences and fostering empathy by shedding light on the socioeconomic realities that can drive individuals to make such dangerous journeys.
The Teacher (2016)
“We’re all human. We must help each other.”
The Teacher is a Russian film that tells the story of Maria Drazdchová, a high school teacher during the time of the Soviet Union who exploits her students and their parents for personal gain. As the school year progresses, her requests become increasingly complex and dangerous, and her connections with the Communist Party make her removal more difficult than anticipated. The film comments on power dynamics and ethics in the classroom, highlighting issues of trust, authority, and morality, and revealing how Maria's manipulation affected both the education of the children and the surrounding community.
Things to Come (2016)
“I didn’t expect this. To think I have to give it all up. All my memories.”
Things to Come is a French film about Nathalie, a high school philosophy teacher and mother of two living in Paris, France, whose life unravels as she loses her mother, her book deal, and her marriage. Amidst these upheavals, Nathalie finds herself unexpectedly free and embarks on a journey of self-reinvention. The film conveys a message of resilience and self-discovery, showing how Nathalie transformed her challenges into opportunities for personal growth while maintaining her core identity. The film offers a contemplative exploration of finding meaning and strength amid life’s dramatic changes.
To read more about previous films and lectures featured at the IC, click here.