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April 12, 2013
Festival is “not just for kids”
Reel 2 Real offers provocative films for 6-and-up set.
CYNTHIA RAMSAY
“Why is Hanna our enemy now?” Larissa asks Abrascha about their mutual non-Jewish German friend in 1941 Ukraine. “Because adults are just stupid,” he responds with a small shrug, bringing an increasingly rare smile to Larissa’s face.
The multiple-award-winning Wunderkinder, which forms part of this year’s Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth, brings Abrascha’s point home in the scene that follows. When the above exchange occurs, Larissa and Abrascha, the two wunderkinder (pianist and violinist, respectively), are holed up with their families and music instructor in Hanna’s father’s brewery, hiding from the Nazis, who have just taken over Ukraine. Before that happened, it was Hanna and her family who were hiding there, as they had become enemy aliens when Germany declared war on Russia. However, at this point in the story, it is the Jews who are in mortal danger. As the two friends are pondering the complexities of the situation, Hanna is at home, being settled into bed by the family’s maid/babysitter.
“I think Poltava’s a lot nicer, now the Jews are finally gone,” the maid shares with her young charge. “You Germans are right. You know what to do with the Jews.”
“What are we doing with the Jews?” asks Hanna.
“You’re killing them,” the maid responds nonchalantly, failing to see the barely contained anger and the confusion on Hanna’s face, her heart visibly pounding. “Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”
At the same time as people are unthinkingly cruel, Wunderkinder shows numerous instances of inherent kindness and bravery. The brewery manager, for example, unhesitatingly helps Larissa, Abrascha, their families and their music instructor escape – as he had earlier helped Hanna and her family hide from the Russians. When the music teacher asks him why he’s doing it, he notes that it isn’t his first time: “The fascists, the Bolsheviks. Political systems devour people,” he says. “Individual struggle is all that’s left.”
Director Marcus O. Rosenmüller – who also has directed advertisements, music videos and TV programs – keeps the tension high throughout the entire movie, with even the denouements being anxiety-filled with anticipation of what horror (or reprieve) awaits our young protagonists. The acting is top-notch and the dialogue is taut, always moving the plot forward or offering insight into a situation or personality. There is nothing saccharine or extraneous in the film.
Reel 2 Real, though geared to viewers six to 19 years of age, boasts that its fare is “Not just for kids,” and, if Wunderkinder is any indication, this is absolutely true – in fact, given the subject matter, this film is recommended for ages 12 to adult. It is part of the festival’s Talent Lab program, i.e. there is a matinée screening open to school groups, with the option of attending a workshop, and all the Talent Lab films have a companion study guide.
Another festival program is Made in B.C., and both Wunderkinder screenings will be preceded by Breaking Bread in the Holy Land, an approximately nine-minute short made by Emily Carr University of Art and Design 2012 media graduate Garin Nalbandian that also has a third screening.
In Breaking Bread, Nalbandian gives a very brief overview of the importance bread in Judaism – including the sanctity, as well as joy, involved in making matzah for Passover – Christianity (specifically, communion) and Islam. It has an upbeat soundtrack, features beautiful images of Jerusalem and of a variety of breads (being made and in ritual use), as well as interview clips from one or two people of each faith group.
Reel 2 Real takes place April 12-19. In addition to the film screenings at Vancity Theatre at the Vancouver International Film Centre (after each of which youth can take part “in hands-on filmmaking activities and discussions with film directors”), the festival also has a focus on short films (April 15-19 at the Roundhouse Community Centre) and a youth media conference and youth filmmakers showcase (both on April 18 at Vancity Theatre).
Wunderkinder screens on Saturday, April 13, 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, April 17, at noon. As previously mentioned, Breaking Bread screens prior to Wunderkinder, as well as on Saturday, April 13, at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for individual films are $8, $6 (child, youth, senior) and $5 (each member of groups of 10 or more). They can be purchased in advance from the festival’s website (with an additional $1/ticket handling charge) or at the door (cash only). The box office opens 30 minutes before showtime. For the full schedule and tickets, visit the festival website, r2rfestival.org.
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