My Life as a Zucchini (Ma vie de Courgette)

Arguably, this French-language claymation cuts closer to the reality of the foster home experience than live-action melodramas like ANNIE or MATILDA ever did. Director Claude Barras tells a simple story simply, drawing power from Zucchini’s point of view as the troubled 9-year-old recounts his stint in a group home following the death of his alcoholic mother. The kids living in this home all have pasts shaded with tragic circumstances including suicide, abuse and drugs. The story could have been devastatingly dark, but it addresses issues with subtlety and delicacy that neither condescends to nor scars younger audiences. The clean and simple animation style works in wonderful contrast to the difficult subject matter, and the characters’ expressive faces give us hope for the innocence and resilience of children. MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI is authentic, empathetic, and ultimately uplifting. Golden Globe nominee for Best Animation 2016, Switzerland’s Official 2016 Academy Awards Entry for Best Foreign Language Film.