Soeur sourire | Belgium/France | 2009
124 minutes Director: Stijn Coninx Producers: Eric Heumann, Marc Sillam, Christine Pireaux, Peter Bouckaert Screenplay: Chris Vander Stappen, Ariane Fert, Stijn Coninx Photography: Yves Vandermeeren Editor: Philippe Ravoet Production designer: Arnaud De Moleron Costume designer: Florence Scholtes Music: Bruno Fontaine With: Cécile de France, Sandrine Blancke, Chris Lomme, Marie Kremer, Jo Deseure, Jan Decleir, Johan Leysen, Filip Peeters, Christelle Cornil, Tsilla Chelton Festivals: Montreal World 2009
Soeur Sourire, the Belgian nun made internationally famous by her infuriatingly infectious hit song “Dominique”, presents a poignant, still resonant case of a strong personality betrayed a fatal conjunction of pop stardom, the exciting new freedoms of the 60s and the church. Gauche, tomboyish and in headlong flight from a cold, constrictive mother and her own repressed sexuality, she finds unlikely refuge in a convent – where she rides reforms in the Catholic Church to become their cute (and lucrative) Singing Nun. Stardom dangled the promise of life beyond the convent, but were audiences ready to hear their favourite former nun sing ballads in praise of the pill? Director Stijn Coninx draws a vivid picture of a society tense with apprehension at the times that are a’changin’. Actress Cécile de France re-activates a proud, hurting young woman’s search for herself in those times.
“This is a unique story, beautifully told and guaranteed to leave a lasting impression… De France is extraordinary.” —Louise Kelly, Urban Cinefile
Academy
Cinema
Mon 29 Mar 1:15PM
Tue 30 Mar 11:30AM
Wed 31 Mar 6:15PM
