Red Island

Writer-director Robin Campillo offers an exploration of memory and politics, in this boldly conceived story of boyhood in 1970s Madagascar.

Eight-year-old Thomas lives on a military base on the former French colony of Madagascar. Observing his parents and their circle, he gradually becomes aware of politics both territorial and sexual, while finding an outlet for his imagination in the fantasy exploits of junior crimebuster Fantômette. Campillo’s autobiographically inspired drama mixes styles and registers to illuminating effect.