On their farm in Moldavia, the wife has left to work abroad, to repay their debts, pay for the children’s education, repair the house… leaving the father alone. Costica Arhir stakes his honour on bringing up his three children well. He supervises their studies, cuts their hair, reads to them and mobilises them on the farm, gets them to help with the housework and cooking. The mother’s absence is offset by this collective organisation. With grace and humour this film depicts a situation, filling up an absence, that is affecting a high percentage of families in Moldavia.
Thomas Ciulei
Thomas Ciulei is born in 1965 in Bucuresti, Romania. Studied documentary filmmaking at the University of Television and Film Munich. In 1992 he graduated at the film department of the New York University. Filmography: ‘Asta E’ (2001), ‘Mánia’, (1997), ‘Gratian’ (1995), ‘Plays of light at the Maxim’, (1992), ‘Like a Bird on the Fence’ (1992).
General sponsor
The Flower Bridge
Romania, Germany
2008, 87', color, 35 mm
Directed by:
Thomas Ciulei
Screenplay by:
Thomas Ciulei
Cinematography:
Thomas Ciulei
Edited by:
Alexandra Gulea
Producer:
Thomas Ciulei
Produced by:
Europolis Film
Festivals & Awards:
2008 Cinema du Reel - Prix des Bibliotheques, Le prix des Jeunes; 2008 GoEast Film Fest - Main Prize Remembrance and Future, Award in remembrance of Reinhard Kämpf; 2008 Mediawave Festival - Main Prize; 2008 Labor Migration - Best Film, Transilvania IFF - Best Romanian Feature Film; 2008 IPIFF - The Black Sea Trophy for Best Documentary Film
