Émilie B. Guérette

At the crossroads of musical documentary, art film and poetic essay, the film Héritières delves into the world of the musical project of the same name, which brings together more than twenty female performers of different ages and cultural origins around the theme of maternal legacy and the collective heritage of women across generations.

After crossing 11 countries irregularly to seek asylum in Canada, Peggy, Simon and their three children are waiting for the hearing that will determine whether they get refugee status or not. Having fled political repression in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the family tries to rebuild a peaceful life in Montreal, in spite of the constant threat of deportation. Between ghosts from the past, hopes for the future, a complex legal maze and seemingly endless trial, the film delves into the struggle of the Nkunga Mbala family to remain in Canada. Offering unprecedented access to their hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board, the film unveils the opaque process of claiming asylum in Canada.

The spectacle of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is grimly contrasted with the poverty of those living mere blocks away from where much of the televised action is broadcast.