April In Paris Film Festival – Latest News From The Cosmos

Director: Julie Bertuccelli

2016, France, 89, NR

Cast: Hélène ‘Babouillec’ Nicolas, Véronique Truffert, Pierre Meunier

The discussion will be led by Diana Paulin, Trinity Depts. of English and American Studies.

 

For most of her life, Helene, who lives with her parents in rural France, did not communicate. And then, at the age of 21-despite having had no formal schooling or ever having been taught to read or write-she did. By arranging laminated alphabet letters, Helene created words, then phrases and finally a book, one letter at a time. And then another book. Under the pen-name Babouillec Sp (the letters stand for sans parole or “non-verbal”), this severely autistic woman writes poetry that can be soaring and childlike, surreal and funny, dense with allusions and filled with insight. Helene’s most recent volume is Eponymous Algorithm, which her parents helped to adapt for the stage. LATEST NEWS FROM THE COSMOS draws us into Helene’s world as the play is developed. In a film unlike any other portrait of a writer, director Julie Bertuccelli (SCHOOL OF BABEL) prompts us to contemplate the nature of creativity and communication, and the hidden potential in humans of all abilities.

“An absorbing portrait of human creativity. Inspirational and informative… If ever there was a movie warning us not to judge a book by its cover, this is the one.”—The Hollywood Reporter
“Placed before this explosive personality, in constant conflict with a very strong interiority that Helene cannot express in speech, the viewer simultaneously becomes a voyeur and witness to a continuous miracle. Unsettling and captivating.”—Premiere
“An outstanding film; the camera’s relationship with the writer and her remarkable mother offers an essential lesson in humanity.” —Grand Prize Jury, Festival of Films on Art (FIFA)