Director: Vincent Toi
Country: Canada
Runtime: 60 min
Traditions can hold great importance for entire communities. In the new Canadian documentary I’ve Seen the Unicorn, director Vincent Toi reveals the great significance that the sport of horse racing has on many different citizens living on the tiny island of Mauritius. As the biggest horse racing event of the year, the legendary Maiden Cup, approaches, the film follows the lives of several diverse individuals as they prepare, including an Irish jockey, a young fan who inspires to be one, a trainer, a stable owner, and even a bookmaker. This traditional event is important to these diverse individuals for different reasons, and the film explores the upcoming race through their many varying and fascinating perspectives.
As I’ve Seen the Unicorn opens, director Toi uses historic video and voice over to effectively set the scene. This documentary it not simply about horse racing; it tells the story of changing post colonial dynamics as well, and much of the island’s history is carefully explained throughout to an audience who may not be aware of these details. The film is effective, however, because it uses several individual stories with which the audience can become emotionally connected to relay the wider history of the people. My favourite tale was that of Alvinio Roy, a young boy who does well in school but chooses to drop out and fish to support his family instead. This young man dreams of becoming a jockey and winning the Maiden Cup for Mauritius himself one day, and demonstrates a clear love of horses and the sport of horse racing. It is portraits such as this one that truly reveal the importance of this event to the people of this island, as it allows them something about which they can dream and acts as a symbol of their freedom.
This film also benefits from stunning cinematography by cinematographer George Fok. Not only does Fok generate exhilarating action shots that thrill the spectator, placing them right in the middle of the race and making it easy to understand why such a sport generates so much excitement, but he also takes time to focus on the beauty in the simple things, such as bubbles rising from a toy and a soaring kite. The hustle of the racing world is juxtaposed with the tranquility of work such as fishing, and although one offers entertainment and the other stability, both are shown to be important. An emotive and lovely score by Jonas Bonnetta perfectly complements each shot as well. These two elements combine to create a film that perfectly captures not only the majesty of the horses and the joy of the race, but also the overall spirit of this little known but enchanting island community.
I’ve Seen the Unicorn is a documentary that educates while generating real suspense and a desire to learn the outcome of the events depicted as the audience becomes invested in the stories on the screen. Through portraits of various individuals, this film reveals the importance of a tradition not only in the every day lives of these citizens, but within a postcolonial context as well. It is also lovely to look at, due to some exceptional and exciting camerawork. This film makes its world premier at the Hot Docs festival, and Toronto is highly fortunate to be the city that will reveal this Canadian film about a little island with a big story to the rest of the world.
