“Mensch,” an immersion into two women’s lives. Mensch is a short French film screened at Medfest’s Connections program. Luca Lellouche wrote and directed the film. The film immerses us in the lives of two women over the span of twenty-four hours. Esther, played by Anida Rozam, and Laya, played by Tassadit Mandi.
“Mensch”
The film follows the protagonist, Esther, a young midwife who spends every day after her shift with her grandmother, Laya. Laya waits for Esther every day, preparing her childhood meals. Until one day, Esther has a disturbing encounter with a young patient, which throws her life out of bounds.
Esther’s Reaction
Esther is taken aback by her patient’s reaction to her child. This affects Esther’s day, as we can see Esther’s emotions stunningly illustrated on the screen. We follow Esther’s everyday routine as a midwife, where she looks lost in thought about the incident, her face stoic from shock.
The film’s layout & Soundtracks
The film’s layout smoothly blends between Esther’s day at work and Laya’s day preparing food and getting ready to spend time with her granddaughter. The film soundtracks are filled with Arabic music and songs played by Laya, which blend into the story. Seeing international films playing Arabic music made Arabic viewers relate more to the story. Laya plays the radio to these songs in the background while she is cooking her granddaughter’s favorite meals from her childhood. Making her food with that grandmother’s love and warmth we all love to feel.
Family Love and Relationship
The film discusses family love and the relationship between Laya and Esther. Later, at Laya’s house, we see a glimpse of their warm and loving relationship. One of the only times we see Esther smile is when she’s with her grandmother. The film’s energy changes once they’re both together to a warmer aura, making the viewers feel warmth and nostalgia for their grandma’s house. Moreover, Laya is one of the only people who notices Esther’s change in mood. A kind of care we can only see from our loving grandmas. As “Mensch” is an immersion into two women’s lives
postpartum depression
The film discusses the important issue of postpartum depression, an issue that we don’t see portrayed a lot on screen. Postpartum depression is a type of depression that happens to new moms after giving birth. This issue was discussed through multiple films in the Connections program at Medfest.
In the context of Esther’s job, she is constantly exposed to different types of Postpartum depression in women. When we see Esther approaching the young mother to help her in a cafe, as she is away from the hospital and her child, illustrating the topic. It’s important to see that women with Postpartum depression have support around them. This illustration helps raise awareness among people.