MIFF NOTES: Family Film (2015, Dir. Olmo Omerzu)

There's a whole lot of focus shifting going on in Olmo Omerzu's Family Film. He stylistically tracks across the globe to follow the dispersed family in question, kids at home in Prague, mother and father sailing the Pacific with the family dog. Everyone gets a look in, even the dog and a rope-in uncle.

It may have seemed narratively ambitious on the page but it doesn't come off onscreen but for giving Lukás Milota a way to diversify his admittedly beautiful cinematography. The dramatic focus is too slippery to build any momentum and it is telling that the dog's exploits on the deserted island provide the film's most involving moments.

More dog. More focus.

★★☆

Trailer:

Family Film screened as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival 2016.

You can check out other films from the festival here.