Schwarze Drachen

Anyone who loves non-abstract art and poetry, lovingly translated to film, will like this short. There is no dialog except for the narrator, who tells the story directly from the author's words in her diary. Mira Furlan has the perfect voice for narration; it is melodic and romantic with deep sultry tones that draw the viewer into the story. She also sings a capella a children's song at the end of the film. The Buscemi family is very involved in the visuals, and their talents are obvious and commendable. The cinematography is also excellent. The claustrophobic feeling of the underground home is prevalent in the lighting choices and camera angles.

Based on 1992 journals of Bosnian visual artist Alma Hajric who was forced into a basement shelter to survive the siege of Sarajevo, Black Kites is the outcome of a chance encounter between Hajric and filmmaker-choreographer Andres. Focusing on Hajric's inner landscape, it skillfully merges reality-based content with interpretive visual material to reveal the simple, sometimes beautiful, yet brutal truth of her existence. Non-linear, dreamlike and spectral, Black Kites is a testament to artistry, imagination and the resiliency of the human psyche. Features sensitive performances by Steve Buscemi, Mimi Goese and Mira Furlan, a prominent actress from the former Yugoslavia, as the narrator.

* Sundance Film Festival * Toronto International Film Festival * Chicago Int'l Film Festival, Gold Plaque * Human Rights Watch Int'l Film Festival

"***1/2 Highly recommended... a poetic testament to the strength of the spirit... " Video Librarian

"Explores a deeply personal story of how it feels to exist under siege...A moving statement about modern war, creativity and survival." Leigh Newman Time Out New York