Mona's Daughters

Original title: Le cèdre penché

Directed by Rafaël Ouellet

Two estranged sisters reconnect in the wake of their mother's death in this intimate tale of musical healing. It's been years since Brigitte has seen her sister Candide or their recently-deceased mother, though when she is called on to sing at the funeral her since of duty supercedes any lingering family conflicts. But it's obvious that Candide harbors a lingering grudge, and as the alienated sisters come together in grief at their mother's country home unspoken hostilities gradually simmer to the surface. Both siblings are noted singer songwriters; Candide specializing in a more delicate brand of acoustic ballads and Brigitte using her talents to exorcise a lingering inner rage. The history of their relationship is written in Candide's lyrics, providing remarkable insight into the sibling's stormy relationship. Eventually, Brigitte discovers a tape of her mother's old music, leading the two sisters to collaborate on a song that could finally help to begin the healing process.