Another Sky

You can almost smell the scent of freshly baked bread, and imagine the rustling leaves of an apricot tree. Yet we are simply in a classroom somewhere in Belgium. The adult students are practicing French. Their assignment: describe what you used to see when you looked out of the window as a child. The camera lingers on the students as they concentrate on telling their stories. With newly acquired words, they describe the world they left behind. Hesitant, halting, determined. Small gestures tell big stories.

The teacher remains off camera. She corrects them where necessary and explains new words and expressions. “Carefree. I’m going to write it down because it’s a beautiful word.” We see reflections in the window, and reflection on the students’ faces. Everyone seems lost in thoughts of somewhere else. Yet they are united by a longing for home.