GOEAST PRESENTS / MAY 2011
OBARNATA ELCHA / CHRISTMAS TREE UPSIDE DOWN Six episodes by different Bulgarian filmmakers create an
impressive portrait about the landscape as well as the kind of people
of their home country. Each story is connected symbolically and
narration-wise by a huge Christmas tree. First sawed off, then conveyed
to the capital Sofia the tree ends up as a Christmas tree installed at a
public place. The short stories accompany the tree on its journey.
Meanwhile, the ordinary life of several main characters, located in
diverse regions, are outlined in the individual episodes. Consequently,
the directors deal with existential questions like How is it possible
to live and die with dignity? How important are celebrations of all
kind for the people? What is meant by “the good life”? What pushes us
forward? The film influences the heart of its audience with opulent
pictures, a multi-facetted soundtrack, and above this, illustrates what
ties people together. An homage to life. Bulgaria/Germany 2006, 127 Min., Director: Ivan Cherkelov, Vasil
Zhivkov, Screenplay: Ivan Cherkelov, Vasil Zhivkov, Cinematography:
Rali Raltschev
OV with subtitles
With Alexandra Vassileva, Slava Dojceva, Georgij Cerkelov, Krassimir Dokov
Tuesday, 10th May 2011, 8.00pm, Caligari FilmBühne