Film: "Calamity" (2020) (Francophone Film Festival)

• Event Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
• Time: 6:30 pm–8:30 pm (CDT)
• Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL

• Film

Quick Stats

• French-Danish film by Rémi Chayé
• 2020
• 1 hour 22 minutes
• Animated film for young audiences

Themes

• Friendship,
• Animation,
• Adventure,
• Equality,
• Journey,
• Family

Film Description and Details

1863, United States of America. In a convoy moving westward in search of a better life, Martha Jane’s father is injured. She is the one who must drive the family wagon and care for the horses. The learning process is tough, yet Martha Jane has never felt so free. And since it is more practical to ride a horse in pants, she doesn’t hesitate to wear them. This proves too daring for Abraham, the leader of the convoy. Accused of theft, Martha is forced to flee. Disguised as a boy and seeking proof of her innocence, she discovers a world under construction where her unique personality will shine through.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival, France 2020

Cristal Award for Feature Film

Sponsorisé par Spurlock Museum, Villa Albertine, Institut Français du Cinéma, Centre d’Excellence et UIUC-Department of French & Italian Organisé par Prof. Aurore Mroz (FRIT) (external link), Nico Norris (external link), Macha Petre (GSFRIT) (external link).

Read more about the Francophone Film Festival (external link).

All films will have English subtitles.