The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival opens with a powerful and poignant film, 'The Green Eyes', that aims to evoke empathy and human connection. This refugee adventure drama, directed by Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, tells the story of Chaya, an 11-year-old girl facing deportation with her family. As her older brother, Nour, falls into a mysterious sleep, Chaya embarks on a journey to wake him up, both in reality and within his dreams.
The film delves into the concept of 'resignation syndrome', a rare condition affecting traumatized refugee children, who retreat into a state of deep withdrawal and unresponsiveness. It's a harrowing exploration of the impact of political decisions on vulnerable individuals, particularly children, who have no control over their circumstances.
Liatard and Trouilh's inspiration for the film stems from a profound encounter with a child who had awoken from a similar state. The boy's dream of being trapped in a glass cage at the bottom of the ocean, symbolizing his helplessness, left a lasting impression on the directors. They chose to narrate the story through Chaya's eyes, setting it in a picturesque yet turbulent landscape in the South-West of France.
The directors' note emphasizes the film's timely nature, given the global state of chaos and migration. They aim to revive empathy, a value they deeply cherish, by presenting the story from a child's perspective. This approach, they argue, is both deeply personal and universally relatable, drawing inspiration from films like 'Mud' and 'Nobody Knows'.
The cast, including Douae Butarbuch M'Zaouki, Sayyid El Alami, Anamaria Vartolomei, Arcadi Radeff, and Omar Al Jbaai, brings authenticity and charisma to the screen. Douae, in particular, stands out with her profound light and charisma, despite being a novice actor. The directors' pride in her performance highlights the importance of finding the right talent for the role.
The title, 'The Green Eyes', symbolizes the original trauma of the siblings and the love that binds them. It serves as an indelible mark of the hardships they overcome together, sparking the audience's imagination and evoking a range of emotions.
In conclusion, 'The Green Eyes' is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that uses the lens of a child's perspective to explore complex themes of trauma, resilience, and empathy. It promises to be a standout at the Locarno Film Festival, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and sparking important conversations.
