Harlan Jacobson’s Talk Cinema
Directed by Xavier Giannoli
“A captivating inquiry into the ever-fluctuating area between belief and doubt, truth and lies.”—Fabien Lemercier, Cineuropa
In this thought-provoking exploration of faith and doubt, a top French journalist’s belief system is profoundly shaken when he’s recruited by the Vatican to investigate an apparition of the Virgin Mary to a devout young woman—a true canonical investigation.
Upon his arrival in a small French village, he meets the young novitiate Anna, who claims to have personally witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary. She’s garnered an impressive following in the village but is torn between her faith and the many solicitations she receives.
Confronted with opposing views from clergy members and skeptics, Jacques finds his belief system tested as he works to uncover the hidden motivations and pressures. 2018, France, DCP, in French, English and Italian with English subtitles, 144 minutes.
This national series programmed by the venerable film critics and film curators Harlan and Susan Jacobson features a sneak preview screening of an art house film prior to its release followed by a discussion.
This past year’s selections have included The Florida Project, Lady Bird, I, Tonya, and The Other Side of Hope.