Flying Film Festival Presents THE BLUE STAR Film Review — A Blue Utopia

Directed by Valentin Noujaïm, The Blue Star tells the story of a multiracial family. Seemingly set in the mid-1900s, we witness glimpses of this family’s life as if through old reels, black static crackling over each scene. Although we see the family playing together in their backyard, the French and Arabic voiceovers of the family harbor fear. In this point in history, a brown man and a white woman shouldn’t get married and have children. If they do, they are disgraced. They become monsters.

Elements of fantasy mix well with our stark reality in this short film. One night, a Blue Star speaks to the man, promising a utopia where each person is free to speak their own language and be as they are. We see the neon blue of the star, somewhat like the moon, hovering in outer space as its deep voice says, “You won’t be scared anymore.” As if seen through a blue-colored lens, the Blue Star shows us this new utopia of ancient stone buildings and structures. Hooked, the man begins working on a way to contact the Blue Star, hungry for a world where his family and others can live in peace, free from racism and discrimination. Like this reviewer, you might find yourself hoping for peace alongside him.

The Blue Star is recommended for those interested in an artistic short film about culture and language. Those interested in a longer piece with a different subject should move on.

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CAST:

Denis Lavant
Ali Cherri
Annie Melza Tiburoe
Raoul Abassi Tiburoe
Firas Alzain

CREATIVE TEAM:

Directed by: Valentin Noujaïm
Produced by: Orane Gibier and Jowe Harfouche

For more information, visit the Flying Film Festival website.

Images courtesy of Flying Film Festival