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The Intersection

Jessamine Irwin, Daniel Quintanilla

The Intersection
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About

The Intersection examines the distinct yet intersecting trajectories of French-speaking immigrants from both Canada and Francophone-African countries, as they converge in Lewiston, Maine. Through a focus on the lives and friendship between Cecile, a French-Canadian woman whose family came to the US to work in the local mills, part of an immigrant wave beginning in the 1840s, and Trésor, a Congolese man seeking asylum who is part of a recent wave of African immigrants, the film suggests the importance of language for identity and community. Cecile and Trésor build a bond around their common first language, French. After a lifetime of suppressing her French identity, Cecile regains pride in her origins, while the common language offers Trésor a means of building connections in his new home. 

The filmmakers frame this story of friendship within a broader historical context, encouraging viewers to reflect on the history of immigration in Maine since the first European settlers arrived. In just over 30 minutes, the film manages to provide an overview of immigrant experiences, including histories of discrimination and oppression both past and present. This deeply American story touches on issues relevant to communities around the country and is a great film for classes in sociolinguistics, American history, immigration, Francophone studies and more. 

Reviews

“I strongly recommend this film to anyone seeking a better understanding of what Francophonie means...”

– Olivier Favry, Cultural Attaché, French Consulate in Boston

“The Intersection is a heart-warming film that shows the deep bond formed through the bridge of a common language.”

– Charlotte Cushman, educator

Film Links

Film Website Home Use Streaming via Vimeo On Demand Press Kit

Subjects:

Regions:

Credits

The Intersection (Le Carrefour)


Directed & Produced by

Jessamine Irwin & Daniel Quintanilla


Executive Producer

Julia Schulz


Featuring

Cecile Thornton

Trésor Mukendi



Cinematography, Editing & Motion GFX by

Daniel Quintanilla


Music by

Eli Kao


Advisors

Emmanuel Kayembe

Georges Budagu Makoko

Chelsea Ray

Ben Levine

Eli Kao


Sound Recordists

Jessamine Irwin

Eli Kao


Colorist

Patrick Badescu



Sound Editor & Re-Recording Mixer

Peter Christmann


Drone Cinematographer

Jonathan Cunningham


Additional Camera

Shuab Mahat

Natalie Baird

Omar Hassan


Also Featuring

Fleurie Mbula Muteba

Rachel Desgroseilliers

Denise Morin

Louis Philippe Gagné Iii

Gabriel Couture

Julienne Mushiya

Edho Mukendi

Ruben Mukendi

Josaphat Mushiya

Anne Moreau Burg

Camden Martin

Gail Lawrence

Mohamed Ibrahim

Nirvana Sulai

Danielle Faucher

Scott Vaillancourt

Patience Kasongo

Winston Antoine


Consultants

Mary Rice-Defosse

Manette Pottle


Fundraising

Clarissa Quintanilla

Julia Schulz

Jessamine Irwin


Supported by: