DIRECTOR: Florence Miailhe
PRODUCERS: Dora Benousilio, Luc Camilli
PRODUCTION CO: Les Films de l'Arlequin, Balance Film
SCREENPLAY: Marie Desplechin, Florence Miailhe
EDITORS: Julie Dupré, Nassim Gordji Tehrani
MUSIC: Philipp E Kümpfel, Andreas Moisa
WITH: Emilie Lan Dürr (Kyona), Florence Miailhe (adult Kyona), Maxime Gemin (Adriel), Arthur Perreira (Iskender), Serge Avedikian (Jon), Axel Auriant (Erdewan)

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FESTIVALS: Annecy, San Sebastián

REVIEWS

“This groundbreaking animation, using oil paint on glass, follows two youngsters who flee for their national border when they find themselves in danger.

In an unnamed Eastern European country, sister and brother Kyona and Adriel find themselves separated from their parents after their home is destroyed. They have no choice but to make a treacherous journey to cross the border, where they hope safety awaits. From an encounter with a community of street kids and discovering the currency that exists in human lives, the siblings experience the persecution that awaits migrants everywhere.

A remarkable coming-of-age tale, The Crossing is also the first feature-length animation created using oil paint on glass, which makes for a rich texture and breathtaking, experimental visual style. Painter and animator Florence Miailhe has crafted a poignant and memorable work about a global issue whose urgency is only increasing.”

- Justin Johnson, London Film Festival 2021

“In this extraordinary debut feature, prolific shorts director Florence Miailhe employs an animation method she has long used, applying oil paint by hand to glass, which creates gorgeously open, fluid images. Bold colour choices lend an almost fairytale feel to the sombre subject matter of war and genocide — a reminder that the events are being filtered through the eyes and mind of a child. Winner of Annecy’s Jury Distinction and awards at the Bucheon, Torino and Warsaw film festivals, The Crossing is a visionary, deeply felt and timely tale of courage and survival.”

– Melbourne International Film Festival 2022

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Canterbury
Monday, 24 March, 7.00pm
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Tauranga     
Wednesday, 16 April, 6.00pm

Wellington
Monday, 19 May, 6.15pm

Wellington
Monday, 19 May, 8.30pm

Auckland  
Monday, 16 June, 6.15pm

New Plymouth
​Wednesday, 09 July, 6.00pm

Hamilton
​Monday, 11 August, 6.30pm

Dunedin
​Wednesday, 27 August, 7.30pm
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Whanganui  
Monday, 08 September, 7.00pm​

Palmerston North
​Wednesday, 17 September, 6.00pm

Nelson  
Wednesday, 01 October, 6.00pm 
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​co-operation with the Institut Français and the Embassy of France