Family Motel
A feature length alternative drama by Helene Klodawsky
Producers: Ina Fichman, Instinct Films and The National Film Board of Canada, 2007
Distributor: Filmoption International
In FAMILY MOTEL a Somali refugee and her teenage daughters, confront the unexpected when they are evicted from their apartment for arrears in rent. The film follows their subsequent move to a beaten down motel for the homeless on the “other side” of town.
Any audience, familiar with the immigrant experience or not, will enjoy the
heartbreaking and gripping story of struggle, perseverance and infighting
against a backdrop of passive, indifferent and sometimes exploitative
characters.
The Canadian Immigrant, Brian J. D’Souza
Awards and selected screenings:
Canadian Front, Museum of Modern Art, NY, 2008
Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance Through Film, Les Rendez-vous du Cinema Quebecois, 2008
Drama Finalist: International Festival of Audiovisual Programs, Biarritz, France, 2008
Borsos Competition for Best New Canadian Feature Film, Whistler Film Festival, 2007
World Film Festival, Montreal, 2007, Durban International Film Festival (South Africa) 2008, St. John’s Women’s Film Festival 2008, Minneapolis Film Festival, 2008, African Diaspora Film Festival, 2008, Cinema Politica Film Screening Series, 2008, Le Femi: International Guadeloupe Film Festival (in competition), 2009
Sundance Channel International
7th Annual Chicago African Diaspora Film Festival
Washington DC African Diaspora Film Series
2010 Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles