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On a small dairy farm, this makes for some particularly comic situations. But the comedy, which runs thick and fast, is the familiar comedy of any family trying to get along and 'get stuff done'. There are huge laughs to be had from Rodolphe and Gigi's particularly healthy sex life; their insensitivity to sound in general; and Rodolphe's distorted views on world politics.

Interwoven with this rich comedy, is drama, primarily focussed on the daughter, Gigi. The drama in her life is that typical of any 16-year old; issues surrounding puberty, new love, family responsibilities and so on. Her family role as the 'link' between the hearing and non-hearing worlds amplifies the pressure of her family responsibilities. Central to the drama is Paula's discovery of her ability to sing, and her love of music. This is found through her high school's new music teacher, the disgruntled M. Thomasson (éric Elmosino), who has been sent to the rural centre from Paris to "teach fish fingers how to sing". Two of these 'fish fingers' turn out to be wonderful singers: Paula, and her love interest Gabriel (Ilian Bergala). Both are presented with the opportunity to sit a scholarship to study singing in Paris. Singing, of course, is a medium that Paula's family has no understanding or appreciation of.

The Bélier Family has come under some criticism from the European deaf community for not engaging deaf actors to play the key roles, and for insinuating that a deaf family places pressure on its hearing 'links' for support. I think these arguments miss the point of this movie and its important message. The Bélier Family is not about deafness or hearing disability per se. It powerfully shows that any family - indeed, any human relationship - has an inherent dynamism. People change; children are not 'made in the parents' mould'. Perhaps the movie's most touching scene is when Gigi weeps at the news of Paula's Parisian aspirations, and admits the anxiety and grief she felt when she gave birth to a hearing baby. It is a powerful admission that will strike a chord with many parents.

The Bélier Family is a must see for 2015/2016.

by Alan Alderson Australian release 26 December 2015 For credits and official site details, see below Search Festivale for more work by the film-makers below. See also:

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Just the facts: Title: The Bélier Family (La Famille Bélier) (2014) Written by: Victor Bedos, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Thomas Bidegain, éric Lartigau Directed by: éric Lartigau Running time: 105 mins Rating: The Players: Karin Viard, Francois Damiens, éric Elmosnino, Louane Emera Official website: www.palacefilms.com.au/thebelierfamily/ www.vertigofilms.es/peliculas/lafamiliabelier/ IMDb entry For session times of current films, use the cinema listings on the Movie links page. For scheduled release dates, see the coming attractions section. For more information about this movie, check out the internet movie database. For the latest additions to Festivale, check out the change history section.

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