The Barefoot Woman

Writer Scholastique Mukasonga lost 27 members of her family to anti-Tutsi violence during the Rwandan genocide. One of those souls was her mother, Stefania, whose ingenuity, humor, love, and absolute devotion to her family shine through this slim memoir. In mournful, playful chapters centered on daily life in their village—bread, their house, weddings—Mukasonga weaves a funeral shroud for her mother. This lyrical memorial won the Seligmann Prize in France and was recently longlisted for the National Book Award in the United States.

BooksCian DinanApril 30, 2020Rwanda, Powerful

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

A classic of Pablo Almodovar's films, Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios is a treat to revisit. Completely over the top, slightly disorienting, but entirely entertaining, this is a gem from the 80s that follows Pepa as she navigates the end of her relationship with a married man. Filled with unlikely coincidences and excellent shoulder pads, this is an excellent mid-week watch.

MoviesDominique LearApril 30, 2020Spain, Quirky, Powerful

Waltz with Bashir

Waltz with Bashir is one of Dominique's favorite movies because it is so multi-faceted, it is a film rich for analysis. Waltz With Bashir is an animated documentary; the animation resembles a graphic novel. The documentary follows the director, Ari Folman, as he journeys to discover what really happened in the Sabra and Shatila massacre. Folman was a part of the Israeli army in the Lebanese Civil War. There are, of course, limitations with the way this film understands the Isreali-Palestinian-Lebanese conflicts, but it's a fascinating piece of culture nevertheless.

MoviesDominique LearMarch 14, 2020Israel, Powerful, Thought-Provoking, Documentary

Incendies

Incendies is an astonishing work. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's play of the same name, this movie follows a pair of twins who return to their mother's (unnamed) country in the Middle East to uncover the family's past. They embark on a heart-breaking journey that exposes the impact of a brutal civil war. This is a tough, but beautiful and moving film.

MoviesDominique LearMay 3, 2019France, Canada, Powerful, Historical