Gabrielle

Quebecois director Louise Archambault follows her smart and refreshing debut feature Familia with this tender drama about a developmentally challenged young woman’s quest for independence and sexual freedom.

Gabrielle is a young woman with Williams syndrome who has a contagious joie de vivre and an exceptional musical gift. Since she met her boyfriend Martin at the recreation centre where they are choir members, they have been inseparable. However, because they are different, their loved ones are fearful of their relationship. As the choir prepares for an important music festival, Gabrielle does everything she can to gain her independence.

Locarno Film Festival; The UBS-sponsored audience award went to Canadian director Louise Archimbault’s “Gabrielle,” while the Variety Piazza Grande Award was presented to “2 Guns,” the second Hollywood outing for Baltasar Kormakur, whose debut feature “101 Reykjavik” premiered in Locarno 13 years ago.