Enterprising Boys

What happens when boys are left to fend for themselves against the harsh realities of life? Several of this year's filmmakers explore this demographic through a variety of stories, cultures and locations.

USED PARTS directed by Aaron Fernandez Lesur and MUNYURANGABO directed by Lee Isaac Chung are two features that embody this concept, although they do it in very different ways.

Set in Mexico City, USED PARTS tells the story of fourteenyear- old Ivan (Emery Eduardo Granados), who makes his living selling used car parts. When his circumstances suddenly change, Ivan has no choice but to do what he must in order to survive.

Tapping into deep-seeded emotion was the filmmaker's goal. "I wanted to create a tale full of life and energy, with real and deep characters; I wanted it to be a vibrant film, with a dynamic rhythm and with some contemplative moments. For me it is crucial to describe and tell stories that concern human relations and feelings, explains Fernandez Lesur. "Most of the time the characters I like and that inspire me are ordinary people, but who have one little particularity that makes them special and lovable."

The film sheds an unwavering light on the brutal realities of Ivan's life, yet still manages to poignantly portray the vulnerabilities of a fourteen-year-old boy. Young newcomer Granados gives a complex and captivating performance as Ivan. The director chose to work with a combination of newcomers and confirmed actors, but no big stars.

On how he chose Granados, Fernandez Lesur says "We did a big and long search in schools and in several parts of the city. I was impressed by his gaze and his great energy. An impressive feat, especially for it being the boy's first professional role. The director continues, "I think he has a great natural talent. He always had a good disposition and tried to learn about everything."

The result is a compelling story, a complex character and a plot that unpredictably twists. Yet, the film remains remarkably grounded in the realities of the all-too-common struggles that many young men face today.

Lee Isaac Chung's MUNYURANGABO is set in Rwanda, weaving the tale of two young men on a journey. This is the filmmaker's debut film, which he took from his experience working and living on a refugee camp in Rwanda. On how much of his personal experience affected this film, Chung says, "The situations I explore are not a representation of my personal experiences, but they are shaped from my personal encounters with people in Rwanda. Personal ideas and thoughts govern the entire film, but I hope that the organic nature of this film is clear. I am indebted to all of the Rwandans who partnered with me."

Sangewa (Eric Ndorunkundiye) and Ngabo (Jeff Rutagengwa) form a friendship in Kigali. Together they embark on a signifi- cant journey to their homes, encountering situations testing their honor and beliefs -- a sentiment echoed in USED PARTS. Newcomer Jeff Rutagengwa gives a precise and intense performance as Ngabo, whose motive for his journey is laced with deep meaning. Rwanda's poet laureate, Eduoard B. Uwaya, delivers a rich and powerful plea for reconciliation.

Chung explains his motives in the making of MUNYURANGABO, "the only rule that my co-writer and I established for ourselves was that the film should be for Rwandan audiences, that if the film would work on that level, and that Rwandans could claim this film as their own, we would avoid some of the risks of exploitation and irresponsibility inherent when shooting in Africa."

The result is a powerfully moving feature that often hypnotizes as it takes the audience on a long, beautiful journey.

A number of other films screening at AFI FEST this week explore the theme of enterprising young men.

CHOP SHOP from director Ramin Bahrani is about 12-yearold Alejandro who works in every way imaginable to support himself and his older sister. In THE UNFORESEEN, director Laura Dunn tells of a West Texas farm boy whose business prospects are met by the limits of Mother Nature and a movement of environmentalists.

OUSMANE, directed by Gaye Dyana, and NAKED, directed by Albert Jan van Rees and Diederik Ebbinge, screen as part of the international shorts competition. Both films explore what happens when boys must rely on their own savvy to cope with unusual situations. For screening times and ticket information, visit www.afi.com/afifest.