Gazing at Stars

Gazing at Stars 2022

9.50

In a working-class city of Mauritius, old Bolom has disappeared. His son Ronaldo sets out to find him and crosses paths with Ajeya, an Indian immigrant worker. He dreams of a golden boy's life, she flees her condition of modern slave. Together, their nocturnal crossing of the island takes on a new dimension, between a mystical journey and a desire for freedom.

2022

Made in Mauritius

Made in Mauritius 2009

1

Bissoon is a retired Mauritian struggling with the Chinese merchant Ah-Yan who tries to sell him a new radio, as his, after 20 years, is broken. Bissoon resists the temptations of globalization but then falls victim to the marketing .

2009

Les Accords de Bella

Les Accords de Bella 1970

1

There are more than 500 accordions for 35,000 people. Polkas, mazurkas and waltzes are part of the history and mestization of an island forgotten by all for a very long time. Here, the accordion is not a forgotten instrument, quite the contrary; its sound mixes with African drums so that young and old can dance. With Philippe Imbert's help, a French craftsman, the Rodrigues Accordion Association has set out on a new adventure: Making their own accordion. The first one, the prototype, completely made on the island, is called Bella

1970

Sugarcane Shadows

Sugarcane Shadows 2014

5.30

It is the end of an era. Marco, Bissoon and their friends have spent their lives working for a sugar factory that is due to close. Sugarcane is no longer profitable so it will soon be replaced by luxurious villas, golf courses and playgrounds for rich tourists, making this area forbidden for the working class. As their world seems to fall apart around them, some struggle to find their places in their strange new surroundings, while others decide to leave the country. For Bissoon, the closing of the factory brings frustration, emptiness and neo-colonial malaise. Meanwhile Marco gets intrigued by Devi, the wife of the authoritarian man overseeing the demolition of the factory. Continuing his work of putting Mauritius on the cinematic map, David Constantin tells a story of a move from tradition to modernity. In doing so, he offers a view behind the postcard façade of paradise, portraying the world less picture perfect than you might think.

2014

Diego, The Forbidden Island

Diego, The Forbidden Island 2002

1

This documentary tells of how the Chagossians were torn from their islands in the northern Indian Ocean. In 1965, the Colonial British authorities declared the isle separate from Mauritius in exchange of its independence. Then, the United States rented Diego Garcia, the largest of the isles, to install a military base and the population was sent to Mauritius. The Chagossians have spent the past 36 years living in extreme poverty in Mauritius, dreaming of one day going home.

2002