My Father Is My Mother's Brother (Тато – мамин брат)
This event took place on Aug 25, 2019
$12 General Admission
$9 Student/Senior
$7 Member
Vadym Ilkov
Ukraine
2018
1h 16m
About
** Curated by NWFF Programming Intern Anastasia Babenko on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day! **
In this touching family narrative, an openly gay bohemian singer/artist becomes a father to his five-year-old niece when his sister’s mental health deteriorates, and finds himself awkwardly balancing fairy tales and playtime with his rowdy nightlife and provocative art.
“The strength of My Father Is My Mother’s Brother lies in this freedom, simplicity, intensity of images and the courage of its characters – modern anti-heroes in search of happiness. – Muriel Del Don, Сineuropa
“Simple, beautiful and patient, this is observational cinema (with a twist) at a most humane and creative pinnacle.” – Pamela Cohn, Filmmaker magazine
Curator’s Note:
Ukrainian cinema holds a poetic place in film history. Whimsical worlds filled with folk mysticism and modernist cinematography were the codes that allowed filmmakers to convey a national identity in the face of brutal soviet censorship. The new wave of indie directors has preserved the lyrical tonality of the past, while bravely mixing it with the mundane realities and collective traumas of the present.
On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, we share a poetic glimpse into contemporary Ukraine through an intimate lens. Focused on fragile family narratives, this program presents a distinctive personal look at the territory and its people whose news coverage remains limited to the Annexation of Crimea and war.
Ukraine turns 29 this year, roughly the same age as the characters throughout this film showcase. Young Ukrainians experiencing growing pains, just like the country itself, are faced with the issues of marriage, love, parenthood, and family responsibilities that adulthood brings. Their stories are universal, while their journeys remain unique.
