This short film features an old lady embarked on an epic struggle for survival in the face of the dangers of the city. Crossing a street at a pedestrian crossing thus becomes, through an avalanche of setbacks, an insurmountable obstacle.
Slightly retro in style, the film insists on accumulating vexations on its character whose weakness and disconnection from the rhythm of the city it highlights.
The end of the film shows that if the obstinacy of the old lady finally gets the better of her antagonists, it is at least as much by pure luck as by the attention of motorists and at the cost of derailing the urban mechanics. There is no possible meeting between the two worlds.
Doña Coroquinha is perfect for questioning the place we leave to weaker people in the city, about the different rhythms that must coexist in the public space that constitutes the street.
Understand the story and themes, express your feelings and develop critical thinking.
1What feelings does the old lady provoke at the beginning of the film? And afterwards?
She is fun and friendly. Then we fear for her, we pity her, we want to support her. In the end, we are in awe of his perseverance.
2How are the townspeople (other than the old lady) described?
We don't know anything about them. It's an anonymous crowd.
3How does the weather accompany the story of crossing the pedestrian crossing?
She accentuates the old lady's problems. She contributes to the chain of setbacks.
4Can we say that the old lady is just unlucky?
No, the city rules are harder for her. Nothing is planned to help him.
5How is the old lady different from the townspeople?
It is not very different, it is simply weaker, slower.
6Is it just slower?
No. For example, she is smaller, less strong, she can't see well, she has to take care of her little dog...
7Have you ever witnessed a situation like this where a person was in difficulty on the street?
Yes, a blind person who couldn't find the pedestrian crossing. Yes, a person in a wheelchair who couldn't climb a flight of stairs...
8What elements make you think of a silent film (from the beginnings of cinema)?
It looks like the image is damaged. There are titles like in silent films. The animation looks a bit like old Disney.
Created with the support of the Ministry of National Education and the CNC.
Watching the film with the family, educational activities with parents at home and with teachers in class.
