AVEC UN SOURIRE, LA RÉVOLUTION

Two years after completing Le peuple interdit, Alexandre Chartrand continues his observation of the political upheavals in Catalonia. Working in the direct-cinema tradition, he films, on an almost daily basis, the events preceding and following the 2017 independence referendum. Stating his allegiance with the proindependence camp, the filmmaker takes his camera to rallies, protests and polling stations. Gradually, popular enthusiasm gives way to tension as the Spanish government cracks down on the movement. In the face of adversity, Chartrand films a peaceful, tightly knit popular movement that’s ready to do anything to make sure the vote happens. Can a democratic action be illegal? That’s just one of the questions raised by this activist film. (BD)