Archive of films Bardsongs / Bardsongs
Netherlands
2010, 94 min
Section:
Another View
Year: 2010
Set in India and Mali, this story showcase presents three songs, three stories, and myriad timeless wisdom. A dynamic film with agreeable characters that celebrates the narrative art form and the type of human simplicity that can offer sound advice for our everyday lives.
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.
Contacts
Film Europe s.r.o.
V Jámě 1, 110 00, Praha 1
Czech Republic
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.filmeurope.cz
About the film
Color, HD CAM
World premiere
Section: | Another View |
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Director: | Sander Francken |
Screenplay: | Joost Schickx |
Dir. of Photography: | Sal Kroonenberg, Melle van Essen, Bert Pot |
Music: | Sakar Kahn & Family, Afel Bocoum, Tsiring Stanzin, Morup Namgyal Aditya Bhasin, Rainer Michel |
Editor: | Gys Zevenbergen |
Producer: | Sander Francken |
Production: | SFFilm |
Cast: | Dhamender Singh, Kishan Soni, Kolado Bocoum, Abba Bilancoro, Tsewang Spalgon, Deachen Yangdol |
Contact: | Film Europe s.r.o. |
www: | www.bardsongs.com |
Guests
Marta Švecová
Festival Organizer, Film Institution Rep., Sales Agent
Sander Francken
Film Director