A SEASON IN FRANCE

France, 2017, 100 minutes, Colour.
Erique Ebouaney, Sandrine Bonnaire, Aalayna Lys, Ibrihim Burama Darboe, Bibi Tanga.
Directed by Mahamet Saleh Haroun.

This is a strong social justice film. The focus is on a man from the Central African Republic with his daughter, fleeing the country, his wife killed in an uprising. He works at a market, has made an application for permanent residence which is rejected. He is given 30 days to make an appeal or moved from France.

The screenplay gets inside the head of the man, his torment, his inability at times to act rationally. He is supported by a sympathetic woman, played by Sandrine Bonnaire. There is also a friend, a former professor, whose mental health is also deteriorating.

The film is strong in its appeal to humanity of the French, a counteraction to the demands that migrants move out, but a look at the plight of human beings who have suffered and are victims of bureaucracy and unsympathetic society.

1. The title? The focus on immigrants, refugees, French government, authorities?

2. The city setting, apartments, workplaces, official offices, the streets? The musical score?

3. The focus on Abbas, his background, Central African Republic, rebellion, the death of his wife, refuge in France with his children, his background as a teacher, limited time in France, his working in the markets, his friendship with Carol, depending on her? The bond with his children, doing his best for them? The 30 days, his making applications, the documents telling him to leave? His not making an appeal? His friendship with Etienne, the sharing of books? Finding temporary shelter, his angers and losing his job, the family ousted, going to live with Carole, the authorities questioning her, his packing and leaving? Future?

4. Carole, the bond with Abbas, sharing, the relationship, her care for the children? Giving him accommodation? The police interrogating her, going to the office, returning to find him gone?

5. The children, their age, experience, settling, school, having to move, continued difficulties, with Carole?

6. At the end, the past, professor, the reader, friendship with Abbas, the girl, his hut, its being burnt down? Setting himself on fire, in the office, hospital, his death?

7. A grim portrait of the plight of refugees and friends? The challenge to authorities and to French society?