THE TREE, based on the Judy Pascoe book, Our Father Who Art in the Tree, combines French and Australian filmmaking talents into a beautifully executed lyrical drama that explores the capacity of imagination as a means to survive the unstoppable power of life asserting itself over sadness.

After the sudden death of her father, 8-year-old Simone (Morgana Davies) shares a secret with her mother Dawn (Charlotte Gainsbourg; I’m Not There, 21 Grams). She’s convinced her father speaks to her through the leaves of her favourite tree; a Moreton Bay Fig tree that perfectly epitomizes the parched country Queensland where the family reside. But the new bond between mother and daughter is threatened when Dawn starts a relationship with George, the plumber called in to remove the tree’s troublesome roots. As the branches of the tree start to infiltrate the house, the family is forced to make an agonising decision. But have they left it too late?

With stunning performances from cast, and director Julie Bertuccelli’s (Since Otar Left) seamless portrayal of overcoming heartbreak and the ties that bind us, it’s no wonder the film received a standing ovation as closing night film at Cannes Film Festival 2009.