Ama Gloria | Telescope Film
Ama Gloria

Ama Gloria

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When nanny Gloria’s mother dies, she must return to Cape Verde and take care of her own family, to the dismay of six-year-old Cléo. Gloria proposes that Cléo spends the summer with her in the island country to soften the blow of their impending separation, and Cléo struggles to let go.

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What are critics saying?

90

Screen Daily by Allan Hunter

It is a small film, but one whose subtle touch and generous spirit proves captivating.

90

Variety by Jessica Kiang

The considerable power of Ama Gloria lies not in its take on colonial conscience, nor even in its insights into the complex economical and emotional dynamics of the child-nanny bond. It is in its unmatched portrait of one brave little heart, bruised but learning to beat on its own.

80

The Irish Times by Tara Brady

The Caméra d’Or-winner Marie Amachoukeli-Barsacq’s affecting quasi-autobiographical drama is sweetly reminiscent of Céline Sciamma’s childcentric will-o’-the-wisps Petite Maman and My Life as a Courgette.

80

The Guardian by Cath Clarke

Àma Gloria is a small-scale film, barely over 80 minutes, but it leaves an almighty impression.

80

The Observer (UK) by Charlotte O'Sullivan

One of the year’s most hypnotic performances nestles inside this seemingly modest French-language coming-of-age drama.

80

Little White Lies by Marina Ashioti

The mixed media technique cuts through the film’s naturalism to bring forth something felt and ineffable, akin to the rich, vivid worlds within children’s imaginations, as well as the haziness with which we recall childhood memories.

75

The Film Verdict by Patricia Boero

The use of first-time and non-professional actors gives the film an authenticity and immediacy that more seasoned performers may not have delivered.

75

The Film Stage by Jose Solís

Amachoukeli knows there isn’t a version of life where pain doesn’t exist, and with Àma Gloria she offers an unadorned warning––a place of refuge for when we need it.