HOLUBOJE
Czech Republic, 2010, 25 min
Martin Šmoldas
29.01.2011 16:10
The compatriotic village of Holuboje was founded in the so called Bessarabia (part of today’s Moldavia) by Czech colonists in 1864. Holuboj compatriots managed to preserve aspects of their language and folk culture, often long forgotten in the Czech Republic, in the manifold national variety of this region. The most extraordinary of all is the folk band which has continuously functioned here for incredible 146 years and which has various Czech songs in its repertoire.
Despite these folk singularities, local people are afflicted with the same problems as all the people of the isolated and poor Moldavia. The decline in economics, disintegration of agricultural co-operatives and everyday existential problems endanger the existence of this folk band. The author of the film introduces four protagonists, inhabitants of Holuboj, who provide an insight into the past and present lives of compatriots in Moldavia.
Director, production, camera, edit: Martin Šmoldas
Martin is a student of Social Anthropology at the University of Pardubice. He is interests in the field in Moldova.
Language of dialogues: Czech
Language of subtitles: No subtitles
Premiere!!!
Anthony and Robert – youngsters from Nairobi – give insight into their everyday life. With a film camera they document and comment the life on the streets and in the Halfway Centre. Thereby, not only their trials and tribulations are expressed but also their sense of humor and their plans for the future, which are full of hope: Moving images which convince through their authenticity. By handing over the camera to the two protagonist, a dynamic change of perspectives is established. This renders possible a differentiated examination of the subject matter as well as the proceedings of the film.
In the far, far North, where the day begins and the oceans meet, a small hamlet New Chaplino is situated. The goverment decided to turn the village into a tourist resort. It is winter, 30 degrees Celsius below zero. The tourists are not coming. There are only few memories of them and the snow has already covered their footprints. The village people live in the cardoard houses. They are waiting for the tourists and dancing. It is only Vika, their country fellow, who is coming to visit her native village after she has spent few years in the city. Thus all villagers keep waiting for the tourists and dancing...
