In the 1950s and 60s, the French photographer and filmmaker Albert Lamorisse (1922–1970) made films whose poetry enchanted children and adults alike. In a double bill, we are screening two medium-length films that both won awards in Cannes. CRIN BLANC (White Mane, F 1953) is about a wild stallion in the Camargue who refuses to be tamed: Only one young boy manages to win his trust. In LE BALLON ROUGE (The Red Balloon, F 1956), a little boy named Pascal (Pascal Lamorisse, the director's son) finds a big red balloon on some steps in Ménilmontant one morning. He takes it home with him and from then on it never leaves his side. The balloon's wayward behavior brings the boy into some tricky situations, but he is glad to have found such a loyal playmate. (5., 12. & 19.3.)
