Surreal Oscar-shortlisted movie Universal Language full of ‘little jokes’ for Winnipeggers

Winnipeg, often one of the last Canadian cities to see a theatrical release of art films, is in for a treat with the Canadian theatrical premiere of Universal Language. This film, which has already made it to the Oscar shortlist for best international feature film, will finally be shown in Winnipeg at the Dave Barber Cinematheque starting on January 23, the same day the Academy Award nominations are announced.

Directed by Matthew Rankin, who shot the film in Winnipeg in March of 2023, Universal Language has garnered critical acclaim at festivals in Cannes and Toronto before making its way back to the city of Rankin’s birth. The film presents Winnipeg in a unique light, portraying it as a place where Farsi and French are the official languages, where propaganda banners featuring former premier Brian Pallister adorn the downtown mall, and where the local currency is referred to as “Riel.”

Rankin describes the film as a personal tribute to Iranian cinema, blending elements of Iranian poetic realism with the quirky charm of Winnipeg. The story follows two children on a quest to retrieve a valuable Riel bill trapped under ice, as well as Rankin himself playing a character who returns to Winnipeg to live with his widowed mother, only to discover a tour guide has been looking after her in his absence.

The film pays homage to Iranian cinema classics like Where Is the Friend’s House and The White Balloon, while incorporating Rankin’s own childhood experiences growing up in Winnipeg. From dressing up as Groucho Marx to visiting his father’s grave near a noisy highway, Universal Language weaves together personal anecdotes with cultural references that make the film a truly unique viewing experience.

Rankin promises that the film will appeal to a wide audience, with jokes and references that cater to Winnipeggers, Farsi speakers, and French speakers alike. Universal Language is a film that invites viewers to see the world through different lenses, offering a multi-dimensional viewing experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Universal Language at the Dave Barber Cinematheque from January 23 to February 5, and experience a cinematic journey that is as surreal as it is beautiful.