This line-up features some of the most interesting, in some cases award-winning, works from the last two International Competitions. Stories from the past, present and future are told, and relationships compellingly portrayed. The Irish animated film about an ancient legend, An Cailleach Bhéarra, is followed by Ägtux, which looks at the everyday lives of Brazil’s indigenous peoples, revealing their under-appreciated cultural wealth. Neil Beloufa’s Kempinski tells of how the denizens of a mystical land envision the future. The past is then the focus in the award-winning Parlez-moi d’amour, in which Alexia Bontia films two old women talking about love. Love and affection are also the emotions evoked by a girl’s relationship with her grandmother in A Journey Across Grandmother. Care portrays a caregiver working for a nursing service who comes to realize that his help is not always wanted. A programme that ponders all that we can learn from the past.
- An Cailleach Bhéarra (Old Woman of Bearra)
Dir Naomi Wilson/ Ireland 2007/ 8 mins
In order for her youth to be restored, An Cailleach Bhéarra, or The Old Woman of Bearra, has to return to the water every 100 years. - Ãgtux (Telling Stories)
Dir Tania Anaya/ Brasil 2006/ Portuguese and Maxakali with English/ 22 mins
The Maxakali Indians who live in the valley of the Mucuri, in the State of Minas Gerais, have excellent skills in arts and crafts as well as in music. According to the media they live in misery. This film shows what the media neglect: the Maxakalis’ cultural wealth. - Kempinski
Dir Neil Beloufa/ France 2007/ French with English Subtitles/ 15 mins
Welcome to Kempinski! The people of this mystical place introduce it to us. In this science-fiction documentary, interviewed people imagine the future and speak of it in present tense. - John and Karen
Dir Matthew Walker/ UK 2007/ 4 mins
John the polar bear apologises to Karen the penguin after an argument they had and then has some tea and a biscuit. - Parlez-moi d’amour (Tell Me About Love)
Dir Alexia Bonta/ Belgium 2007/ French with English Subtitles/ 14 mins
Two women at the end of their lives in a hospital room: They talk about love. Tell me about love… - A Journey Across Grandmother
Dir Meghana Bisineer/ UK 2005/ 6 mins
A Journey across Grandmother looks back at the relationship between a girl and her grandmother. - Care
Dir Corinna Faith/ UK 2006/ 19 mins
Mali visits the homes of frail elderly people and provides care they can no longer give to themselves. But when he enters the home of a new client, Archie, he finds neither he nor his help are welcome.