I Comete − A Corsican Summer

The first feature film from Corsican theatre-maker, actor and author Pascal Tagnati is set in a Corsican village in summer. The locals flirt, swim, party, shoot the breeze and fight (“keep your hands off my sister”). The static camera observes the villagers, often in long takes – a little like the girl who says she is trying to create “a moment of life” through her photos. We regularly hear traditional songs sung in Corsican dialect, culminating in the heartrending ‘La mort de Filicone’.

Tagnati worked with the residents of the village he portrays: they contribute dialogue and perform, although he cast experienced actors for the major roles. Like heavenly bodies, the characters orbit around one another. Tagnati pays particular attention to Franje, the sole black resident of the village, as well as to the plumber Bastien and to Théo, who admits in a monologue that he is afraid of losing his happiness.

Amusing discussions take place about football, fellatio and surrogate motherhood. Retired teacher Lucienne delivers a neat monologue on freedom and sovereignty. All told, we are witness to a cross-section of life in a Corsican village, where traditions are important and the sense of community is held in high esteem, despite individual differences. 

Winner Special Jury Award, IFFR 2021.