L.A. Tea Time
2019 | 82 minutes | Canada
Director: Sophie Bédard-Marcotte
Writer: Sophie Bédard-Marcotte
Languages: French, English
Visions du Réel, Nyon, Switzerland, 2019
VIFF - Vancouver international film festival, Canada, 2019
FNC - Festival du nouveau cinéma, Montreal, Canada, 2019
FICFA - Festival du cinéma francophone en Acadie, Moncton, Canada, 2019
IDFA - International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2019
Artist and filmmaker Sophie Bédard Marcotte has a simple dream; to have tea with LA-based artist and filmmaker Miranda July (Me and You and Everyone We Know, The Future). As Sophie contemplates what her next project will be, she cites two idolized filmmakers to help her. With the late Chantal Akerman being unavailable, Sophie asks Miranda July for advice. First, through video messages that she will never send, and then an actual inquiry to July’s assistant for a meeting.
Leaving Montreal with her friend and cinematographer, Isabelle Stachtchenko, the blinding snow turns into blinding sun as they drive across America. Guided by the voice of Akerman, sometimes literally, the duo’s journey and film starts out unsure of what they will create. Their primary subjects are fields, and one lone scarecrow, until Sophie decides they should try actually talking to people along the way.
Their journey feels dreamy and meandering, as any good road trip should be. As Sophie tries out meditation, learns to dance on a football field, and gets serenaded by a shirtless redneck along her yellow brick road, we wonder if she will indeed meet her Wizard when she reaches her Emerald City. Whether or not July herself makes an appearance, Bédard Marcotte has created a piece that feels like a delicious companion to any Miranda July film.
- Tish Chambers
Screenings
Preceded by the short film
Acadiana
In May 2017, as the new President of the United States adjusts to his role in the White House, the city of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, maintains business as usual with its annual Crawfish Festival. For the Pelican State, it’s just another day in America.
Equal parts fascination, concern, and something in between, the pairing of Acadiana and L.A. Tea Time provides an opportunity to passively observe contemporary America from a northerly distance.
Director in attendance
Sophie Bédard Marcotte