My Mother Laughs

Synopsis

In 2013, the filmmaker Chantal Akerman's mother was dying. She flew back from New York to care for her, and between dressing her, feeding her and putting her to bed, she wrote. She wrote about her childhood, the escape her mother made from Auschwitz but didn't talk about, the difficulty of loving her girlfriend, C., her fear of what she would do when her mother did die. Among these imperfectly perfect fragments of writing about her life, she placed stills from her films. My Mother Laughs is both the distillation of the themes Akerman pursued throughout her creative life, and a version of the simplest and most complicated love story of all: that between a mother and a daughter.

Summary

Chapter 1
My Mother Laughs
In the first chapter of the book, My Mother Laughs, readers meet the main character, Chava. Her life story is told from the perspective of an adult Chava, reflecting on her childhood in Colombia. Chava's mother, Ysabel, works hard to provide for her family, while also managing to express her joy through laughter. Chava recounts how her mother opened up the world to her through the details and complexities of her own life. Through Ysabel's embrace of Colombian culture, Chava gains a newfound appreciation for her heritage. While Ysabel never shied away from difficult topics or tragedies, her commitment to living in the moment and finding joy in everyday events, remain a source of inspiration for Chava.

One event in particular stands out to Chava. Ysabel wakes up Chava one night for a trip. Together, they drive until the car stops and they take off walking. Chava asks countless questions, but is met with silence. After hours of walking, Ysabel stops in front of a bright light, which turns out to be a quiet party. Ysabel introduces Chava to a group of people, who welcome her with open arms and dancing. Chava learns that this is a traditional ceremony for the local community, and Ysabel openly participates. Chava captures the moment in her mind, knowing it will stay with her forever. More importantly, Chava realizes that her mother will always remain the one who makes the world more alive and unpredictable. This scene demonstrates Ysabel's ability to find light and joy in what would otherwise be an average event.

Chapter 2
The Flower
In the second chapter, we learn more about Ysabel and her connection to her Colombian heritage. Ysabel's love for flowers and plants leads her to create flower arrangements that have become a source of pride and respect among the locals. Ysabel's creativity in arranging her floral pieces also speaks to her commitment to breaking down traditional boundaries and uncovering the beauty in life.

One example of this is when Ysabel creates an intricate flower arrangement for her son's wedding. She decides to blend two traditions together, combining Colombian flowers with lilies to represent her son's connection to their family's heritage. With the help of the community, Ysabel puts together a stunning piece that captures the beauty of both cultures. While the bride and groom are the primary focus of the event, the flower arrangement is what grabs everyone's attention. People look on with admiration at the unique and thoughtful display.

This episode illustrates the importance of Ysabel's art for those around her. As a woman who suffers greatly, she uses this opportunity to bring happiness to her family, friends, and community. By combining two cultures, she shows that beauty can come from even the most unlikely of places.