SCREEN
BY NIC CROSARA
LA MIF
Directed by Fred Baillif
In French, “mif” is slang for family and this film explores the concept of forced familial dynamics by following multiple girls living in a care home for at-risk teenagers. The director is a former social worker and the cast is made up of non-professional actors who were residents and staff at a children’s home. This film is extremely naturalistic with the plot planned out but the dialogue improvised. It clearly works – the film has won a number of awards. LA MIF tackles heavy topics, such as the issues within the youth protection system, consent, mental health and, of course, both blood and water families. The film is deeply moving and gives a voice to the young girls whose voices are too often unheard.