Bardsongs

Colour, HD CAM
Netherlands, 2010, 94 min
WP – World premiere
Section: Another View

Synopsis

A plastic collector named Sahir refuses to pass judgment on fate when his son is wounded, and the outbreak of war proves him right. Young Bouba is given the task of answering the question "What is the greatest part of all knowledge?” His search leads him to love. And Sonam sets out across the Himalayas to sell his dzo, but the journey proves useful despite the fact that he doesn’t sell the animal. All three stories are presented in the form of traditional songs which intermingle in this engaging on-screen narrative. The characters are always seeking after something, thus enabling the movie to grip the viewer’s attention. These ordinary protagonists are the natural bearers of wisdom and the film systematically elevates itself above the pettiness of mundane squabbles. Instead, it concentrates on the everyday beauty of simple human existence, as well as on the similarity between various nations regardless of geographical location. "When it comes down to it, we all seem to think alike about the essence of our existence, whether you are a Hindu or a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish or anarchist, atheist or animist,” the director believes.

About the director

Sander Francken (b. 1952, Netherlands) has been writing, producing, and directing films and television programs since the late 1970s. In 1986 he founded Sander Francken Film, a production company which aims to "produce thought provoking projects with a high dramatic potential and outstanding visual approach.” As a director he is interested in both documentaries (e.g. Dealing and Wheeling in Small Arms, 2006) and features (e.g. Papa’s Song, 1999). Francken also created the pilot and several episodes of the hugely popular TV series "Called to the Bar” ("Pleidooi”, 1992). He shot the film stories Bardsongs in India and Mali.