We all come from somewhere. Some place that has kept alive a culture and identity that defines our roots.
A common narrative we hear is how individual cultures seem to dilute with each passing generation. Director Carol Nguyen’s Nanitic, premiering at TIFF 2022, is a reflection on that narrative, utilizing ants as a symbol.
Nanitic is word that describes first-generation worker ants, who sacrifice their life for the survival of the ant colony. Nguyen utilizes this concept as symbol to capture a traditional Vietnamese immigrant family.
I am fascinated by the symbolism and parallels made between ants, how their colonies operate, and the story of the film. It was knowledge that came to me after the fact and not while watching the film, which leads me to believe that the story in itself was quite gripping without the need for additional symbolism. Having three generations of a culturally-engrained family in the same room, with each generation behaving differently from the next, was a great premise to study cultural fragility. I felt there was a lot to explore here, and maybe this could lend itself to the development of a larger film.
I felt a very personal touch with this film. Perhaps it leverages Nguyen’s background and family story, or perhaps a story of someone she knows. Either way, there is a very personal atmosphere to the film, from the way it is shot to the way it presents itself to audiences.
I appreciated the blend of multiple languages, really capturing the differing nature of various generations living in a foreign land. It also captures Nguyen’s journey as an individual, who now call’s Montreal home.
I think Nanitic is a wonderful, gritty exploration of culture and its fragility within families. Can’t wait to see what other films Nguyen creates in the future.
Nanitic plays as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts programme at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival; specifically Short Cuts Programme 1. Visit TIFF’s website HERE for all the details on screenings.
Cover Photo: Still from Nanitic | Courtesy of Carol Nguyen.
