The Shorts Program is one of the most interesting events of the Festival, showcasing the diversity of life and human relationships which is not affected by the limitations imposed by disabilities.
The films in this program are of different genres and styles. There is a passionate sketch about a gifted dancer who feels and remembers music with his body and an absurdist story about the friendship of two blind women who are together not due to their impairment, but because they can share the pleasures of an ordinary sunny day. There is also a short about sentiments raging in silence and a poetic film about the beauty of the world that doesn’t have to be seen to be appreciated and enjoyed.
THE PROGRAM
Chris Fonseсa, Street Dancer
Dir. Bim Ajadi, 40 minutes, United Kingdom, 2014
A short film follows the rise and struggles of a talented deaf street dancer, Chris Fonseca. A quiet young man with sheer grit and determination, he tells his inspirational story of following his dream to be a professional street dancer, despite his hearing-aid and the competition from hearing street dance masters.
Honeymoon
Dir. Ronit Meranda, 10 minutes, 2016, UK
Lucy and Johanna are on their honeymoon. Johanna is partially, and Lucy profoundly, deaf. They arrive at a B&B where they are greeted by a sullen landlady. They are both annoyed with her demeanour, albeit on different levels. The nature of signing allows them to be carefree about quarrelling in public. A seemingly insignificant disagreement silently turns into a hurtful argument, as the noise of the weir dominates the background.
Awake
Dir. Michael Achtman, 21 minutes, UK, 2015
Anna, who is chronically ill, is visited by Doreen, a door to door proselytizer who makes herself at home and stays the day, slowly defrosting her non-welcome. Together, they walk in the park, bake a cake and watch an Ingmar Bergman film. Both women are blind, played by blind actors (Alex Bulmer and Margo Cargill) in this existential comedy.
I Dance with God
Dir. Hooshang Mirzaee, 40 mins, Iran, 2015
Ali Badri, an old Kurdish man, has been blind since a hunting accident three months after he was married. In order to make a living, he learned to sew and makes Kurdish pants to sell. Despite his blindness, he cuts textiles, threads a needle and sews. He is happy because he has a beautiful garden . He makes fun of himself and hums bawdy love songs to his wife.
How would you work as tailor if you are completely blind? I Dance with God is a powerful example of the struggle to survive and determination of the human spirit despite the difficulties faced.
HOW TO TAKE PART
Free admission with advance registration The film will be screened in English with Russian subtitles
