Mutum

Sandra Kogut’s first feature, Mutum, explores the spaces and stories that children invent to try to understand the actions and words of the adults in their lives. Based on a popular Brazilian novel by João Guimarães Rosa, Mutum shows us the tiny world of a ten-yearold through the eyes of Thiago (Thiago da Silva Mariz). The eldest of five children, Thiago is extremely sensitive, a quality that his brutish father (João Miguel) finds unnerving

Thoughtful and introspective, Mutum gives us pause for thought as we join Thiago in his fascination for small details: a spider spinning its web or an insect ambling over a log are filmed with a sense of wonder. Kogut elicits splendid performances from her young actors, who simultaneously convey innocent discovery and the bittersweetness that comes with growing up. In several ways, the veil of childhood is lifted from Thiago’s eyes; when it is, he finally sees his childhood home in a new way, reminding us all of those moments when we see the world anew: sad, daunting but beautiful.

Diana Sanchez, Toronto Film Festival Programme