KANAVAL

Credits

Name: KANAVAL

Country: Kanada/LUX

Year of publication: 2023

Format: DCP

Color: color

Language : OmeU

Series: 21. Afrika Film Festival Köln

Direction: Pardo, Henri

Abstract

1975, Haiti is under the dictatorial Duvalier regime. Rico and his mother, Erzulie, are forced to flee the country and are welcomed in Quebec by Cécile and Bébert, a couple brimming with affection. Rico, 9 years old, finds himself brutally uprooted and forced to adapt to an unfamiliar world. He finds refuge with his imaginary friend, Kana, a rope-throwing figure from Haitian mythology. Through the eyes of a child, KANAVAL portrays the trauma of exile and uprooting, as well as racism in the face of foreigners. In his first feature film, director Henri Pardo shows the importance of maintaining a link with one's roots, one's past and one's heritage.