Even if I have a home in Paris and sometimes in New York, whenever I was saying I have to go home, it was going to my mother.

The quote "Even if I have a home in Paris and sometimes in New York, whenever I was saying I have to go home, it was going to my mother" by Chantal Akerman reflects the deep emotional connection she had to her mother and how, despite having multiple places to live, her true sense of home was rooted in her relationship with her mother. Akerman, a Belgian filmmaker, is known for her personal and introspective work, often exploring themes of identity, home, and family. In this quote, she emphasizes that no matter where she physically lived, her sense of belonging and comfort was tied to her mother.

The reference to having homes in both Paris and New York suggests that Akerman led a life of movement and had multiple places where she could reside. However, her use of the word "home" in this context points to the emotional aspect of what truly defines a home. It’s not the physical space that mattered most, but the emotional anchor she found in her mother. For Akerman, no matter the city or apartment, the idea of “going home” always meant returning to her mother, illustrating the importance of maternal love and the bond that goes beyond geography.

By saying she was going to her mother, Akerman acknowledges the irreplaceable nature of maternal connection. It speaks to the notion that, regardless of how many homes or places one might have, family—specifically the relationship with a mother—remains the core source of emotional grounding and stability. The mother's home is where Akerman found comfort, support, and a sense of identity.

Ultimately, this quote reveals the depth of Akerman's connection to her mother, suggesting that the concept of home is not just about a physical place but about the people and relationships that define it. The quote reflects universal themes of family, belonging, and the emotional attachments that shape our understanding of home, making it clear that no matter where life takes us, the sense of home is often tied to those we love most.