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

Globe and Mail,  2008