News from Home

Chantal Akerman, a renowned Belgian filmmaker, transplants her life from Europe to New York's bustling metropolis in this deeply personal exploration of identity and belonging. The film juxtaposes the city's iconic sights captured through the camera lens with the heartfelt letters written by Akerman's mother back home in Brussels. Initially, the tender words of her supportive mother take center stage, narrated gently by the director herself. As the narrative progresses, however, the focus gradually shifts from the warm words to the urban landscape that now surrounds Akerman, encapsulating a subtle but profound transformation as she navigates her new environment and forges a unique relationship with this unfamiliar city. This poignant film offers an intimate window into the director's personal journey while delving into universal themes of migration, connection, and self-discovery.