MontréaLisons: Fo Niemi’s favourite works
Fo Niemi is the executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR). He recommends a selection of five films and books that informed his vision of diversity, specifically of intercultural and intergenerational relations.
Fo Niemi’s top-five works
West Side Story, by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
MGM Home Entertainment, 1961
This film, based on a Broadway musical, was inspired by the William Shapespeare tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Set in New York City during the 1950s, against a backdrop of inter-racial rivalry between two gangs, this film conveys a clear message: Love will always prevail over hate.
Les uns et les autres, by Claude Lelouch
Léa Films, 1981
This film looks at the Second World War through the eyes of characters from several countries and generations, all connected by dramatic events experienced before, during and after the armed conflict. This masterpiece of French cinema inspires with its messages of peace and humanity.
La vie devant soi, by Edoardo Ponti
Not currently available in libraries - Netflix exclusive, 2020
This film is a remarkable adaptation of the novel by Romain Gary. In Ponti’s version, the action is set in contemporary southern Italy and presents the tragic story of African migrants from the perspective of little Momo, played by promising young actor Ibrahima Gueye. The film also stars celebrated Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Discover the novel behind the film, La vie devant soi, recommended by Mohamed Lotfi.
Une terre promise, by Barack Obama
Éditions Fayard, 2020
This autobiography by former United States President Barack Obama looks back at the events that shaped his life and political career. It offers a fresh perspective on the 2008 economic crash, the adoption of the Affordable Care Act, and the rise of Trumpism.
René Lévesque et nous : 50 regards sur l'homme et son héritage politique, by Marie Grégoire and Pierre Gince
Éditions de l’Homme, 2020
The many accounts in this book show how the former Quebec Premier shaped the Quiet Revolution and the contemporary history of the province. They allow the reader to appreciate the extent to which René Lévesque’s leadership and influence had an impact on the emancipation of the Quebec people, and to better understand the province’s development over the past 50 years.
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