I LOST MY BODY - 10/9/2023

The third screening transported us to the streets of France, where our theme of Beyond the Body was beautifully played out in the poetic animated feature, "J'ai Perdu Mon Corps" (I Lost My Body).

In the company of friends, we gathered in Bukoto, to witness the story of a severed hand's escape from a Paris laboratory and its quest to reunite with its owner, Naoufel.

Naoufel, a humble pizza delivery guy's life is told through flashbacks, painting a picture of a childhood filled with parental love, and dreams of becoming an astronaut or a musician, but also marked by profound loss. In the present day, destiny brings him to Gabrielle's high-rise apartment block while making a pizza delivery. Intrigued and infatuated, he orchestrates grand gestures to bring them together.

Meanwhile, the severed hand navigates the perils of modern city life, determined to find its way back to its rightful place.

The Aftersunettes were captivated by the film's stunning visuals. However, some were perplexed by the symbolism of the severed hand, while others interpreted it as a metaphor for Naoufel's separation from his parents. The recurring presence of a fly was discussed, often heralding impending trouble in the film. The act of catching a fly was also a poignant memory from Naoufel's past, one he clung to amidst life's challenges.

The film's open-ended conclusion left us pondering whether Naoufel succeeded in winning Gabrielle's heart – we all wanted him to! The film's melancholic undertones found poignant punctuation in the closing scene, as Naoufel leapt into the sunset, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. Or that sometimes, in a world that hasn't always been kind, seizing the moment is a beautiful way to navigate life.

Jusqu'à notre prochaine aventure cinématographique!