My Life as a Zucchini

Director: Claude Barras
Screenwriters: Céline Sciamma

Institute History

  • 2017 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Based on the book Autobiographie d’une Courgette by Gilles Paris, Claude Barras’s first feature-length stop-motion animated film explores difficult subject matter with a delicate touch.

Icare is a nine-year-old only child living with his alcoholic mother, who calls him “Zucchini.” After an unfortunate accident, he is sent to a group home, which is hostile at first, but he slowly becomes more comfortable there as he learns more about the other children. Through the friendships he develops with them—particularly a young girl named Camille—and the attention of Raymond, a well-meaning policeman, Zucchini finds the strength to overcome his own personal tragedy and embrace life and the future.

Barras’s imaginative storytelling, coupled with an exquisite script by Céline Sciamma (Girlhood, 2015 Sundance Film Festival), weaves a heartwarming tale that deals with dark themes with sensitivity and humor in a way that is accessible to young audiences.

Please note: This film may be challenging for some younger viewers: it includes discussions about sex, accidental death, abuse, suicide, alcoholism, and drugs.

Screens with Jonas and the Sea
Jonas has dreamed of living in the sea all his life, but it's impossible. Or is it?

— P.H.

Screening Details

Credits

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