True/False Films

The Mirror

In person: director David Christensen and editor Annalisa Schillaci

Nestled comfortably in the Italian Alps, the sleepy town of Viganella goes without direct sunlight for 83 days each year — that is, until the charismatic mayor hatches a plan to reflect the sun's rays directly into the town square. Following the mayor and residents as a decidedly quixotic scheme develops, director David Christensen captures an unexpected side of the village. His camera follows Viganellans up leaf-strewn paths and through winding alleys, picks up their conversations in dining rooms and taverns, and gives us what amounts to a loving and humorous portrait against a fully realized landscape background. With a structure of clever vignettes leading to an intoxicating finale, The Mirror radiantly reflects its wonderfully unique elements. (DF)

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