Nénette
70 minutes | North American Premiere | Rating: PG
When we visit animals at the zoo, do we study them or do they study us? Is there much difference between the glass that separates human from animal and the lens that separates filmmaker from subject? Such are the intriguing questions posed by Nicolas Philibert’s empathetic film, which consists entirely of footage of several orangutans as they busy themselves or laze about within the confines of their habitat. The main attraction is Nénette, the matriarch of the exhibit at 40 years of age. Some people come to see her every day, “like going to see a brother or sister in prison.” One of her minders explains how he can tell Nénette’s mood from the look in her eyes, while those seeing her for the first time can’t help but project stories and emotions onto her. Nénette is a captivating study of an enigmatic animal and our relationship to her.
Subjects :
Co-presented with TIFF Cinematheque.
Media Coverage
Eye Weekly (4-star Review), National Post (Q&A with Director Nicolas Philibert)
Director(s)
Nicolas Philibert
Producer(s)
Serge Lalou
Alain Esmery
Laure Briand
Corinne Beal
Cinematographer(s)
Katell Djian
Nicolas Philibert
Editor(s)
Nicolas Philibert
Léa Masson
Composers(s)
Philippe Hersant
