For many years, Olaf, Mona and Maria have been suffering from severe depressions. The illness has left them without any interest in life. Suffering from suicidal thoughts they seek help and are admitted to the psychiatric clinic of the Charité Berlin. They do not shy away from trying controversial treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy. The camera has followed their struggles for over two years. Incomparably empathetic, the movie allows the viewer to comprehend the true emotions involved in this illness. Shadows is a film about hope, the abysses of life, and the brutal cruelty of an illness.
Gregor Theus (Germany) | Germany | 2009 | 60 min | German spoken, English subtitles
Auntie’s Children
Auntie’s Children is a contemplative account of a day passing in a children’s home in Rajasthan, India. The camera is very close to the protagonists and portrays their fundamental experiences: living in a community, learning, cleaning, conversation, play and prayer. By following interactions and dialogues we are given an impression of the people and their concerns.
Lisa Leiding (Germany) | India | 2009 | 29 min | Hindi spoken, English subtitles
Anything but Black
‘You’re born and you will die,’ an 80-year-old woman confidently declares while trying on her future ‘death dress’. Still widely practiced amongst the elderly population in rural Lithuania, the ancient custom of preparing your own burial clothes seems much less acceptable to the younger generation. Anything but Black explores this unique tradition through encounters with those who still maintain it and proudly show off the dresses as their sacred possession but also with those who express their disapproval. The film proposes a rather unconventional attitude towards death – one of acceptance. This death is more tame, less sinister and – as the film often shows – even humorous.
Ausra Linkeviciute (Lithuania) | Lithuania | 2009 | 20 min | Lithuanian spoken, English subtitles
