Universal Language (Une langue universelle)

In a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising and mysterious ways. Gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly befuddled tourists through the monuments and historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québécois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother. Space, time, and personal identities crossfade, interweave, and echo into a surreal comedy of misdirection.

Winner of the inaugural Directors’ Fortnight audience award at Cannes, Universal Language is charming and offbeat.