Grey Matter

Balthazar is a young African filmmaker on the brink of directing his first project, The Cycle of the Cockroach, a fictional story about a young woman who survived unspeakable atrocities only to find herself committed to the same mental institution as a man driven insane by the crimes he perpetrated during the war. Potential funders for the film insist the themes are too bleak and pessimistic-they encourage Balthazar to make a "message" film that raises awareness about gender-based violence or HIV/AIDS instead. But he refuses to give up. Instead of telling his production team the news, Balthazar continues preparations for the film without financing or equipment. After rehearsing a scene with each of the characters, reality blurs and scenes from the script materialize, provoking the question: Can a film like this exist only in the director's dreams? Armed with a daring and creative visual language...

Cast

Ruth Nirere Justine Herve Kimenyi Rutaremara Balthazar

Ramadhan Shami Bizimana Yvan

JP Uwayezu Madman

Natacha Muziramakenga Mary

Juma Moses Nzabandora Psychiatrist

Jean Pierre Kalonda Man from the commission

Mazimpaka Kennedy Moneylender

Tamim Hakizimana Lying technician

Alice Kayibanda Jacqueline Umutoni (voice)

Metadata from the source database.