The Hearing

May 26, 2023

1h 33m

★ 2.0

A family's struggle in seeking asylum to remain in Canada

Overview

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.

Genres

Documentary

Production Companies

Colonelle Films

Les Films du 3 Mars

The Hearing Trailers

Cast

Self

Peggy Nkunga Ndona

Self

Simon Mbala Kapela

Self

Adoration Francis Nkunga Mbala

Self

Consolation Sophie Nkunga Mbala

Self

Benjamin Crédo Nkunga Mbala

IDFA and Canadian filmmaker Peter Wintonick had a close relationship for decades. He was a hard worker and often far from home, visiting festivals around the world. In 2013, he died after a short illness. His daughter Mira was left behind with a whole lot of questions, and a box full of videotapes that Wintonick shot for his Utopia project. She resolved to investigate what sort of film he envisaged, and to complete it for him.

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The Hearing

Overview

Genres

Production Companies

The Hearing Trailers