WHO BY FIRE (COMME LE FEU) World Cinema

Screening to be followed by a conversation with director and writer Philippe Lesage and actors Noah Parker and Paul Ahmarani.

Philippe Lesage’s eighth feature and latest since his international arthouse hit, GENESIS (AFI FEST 2018), finds him back to his roots exploring messy, complex relationships and the perils of both youthful desire and creative collaboration. Set within the supposed serenity of the deep wilderness, the timid and introverted Jeff, an aspiring filmmaker, accompanies his best friend Max to visit his screenwriter father’s longtime friend and former collaborator, Blake Cadieux, at his secluded home. Jeff is secretly head over heels for Max’s older sister Aliocha, who is also tagging along for her father’s reunion with the celebrated film director. With Cadieux now only making documentaries, tensions soon boil over between the two creative male egos, causing a domino effect of catastrophe for not only their decades-spanning friendship but also for everyone staying at the isolated lodge. With an unsettling tone and immersive visuals, WHO BY FIRE is Lesage’s comeback commentary on artistic partnerships, disingenuous friendships and the effects of seclusion on how we socialize as human beings. Winner of the Grand Prix for Best Film in the Generation 14plus program at the Berlin Film Festival. –Julia Kipnis