NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
Performance
Trailer
It is to here, on All Souls' Day, that the dead return. Both peasants and barons take what they can get. Some Estonians, others Germans – a subtle reference to the geopolitical order of the century before last, when the two neighbouring superpowers were only too happy to establish forecourts of their empires in the Baltics. First and foremost however, this film adaptation of a novel by Andrus Kivirähk thrives on its very unique blend of cinematic experimentation and fantasy.
In captivating black and white, Sarnet blends horror stories and folk tales with a very simple tale of love: Liina only has eyes for Hans, he however has become entranced by the Baron's daughter. A trinity of desperate desires, flanked by the contrast between poverty and extravagance in a winter that harshly descends upon the nondescript dwellings. In the midst thereof is the parallel society of the omnipresent Kratts, about whom it is hard to know if they serve a useful purpose or are to be avoided. A wondrous tale whose narrative threads coalesce into a surreal whole. From afar, the influence of the Brothers Grimm extends deep into this microcosm, at once a world of fables, a description of reality, and a homage to the imagination.
Text: Bernd Buder
Fri 07.11. I 12:30 I GLAD-HOUSE I original version with English subtitles + simultaneous German translation
Rainer Sarnet
Mart Taniel
Marco Vermaas
Jaagup Roomet, Matis Mäesalu
Jacaszek
Rea Lest, Jörgen Liik
OPUS FILM, PRPL
Rainer Sarnet - In his 48 years of existence, Rainer Sarnet has directed 5 films, lived with 3 women, accumulated about 10 friends, passionately loved Fassbinder, directed theatre plays by Przybyszewski, Gorky, and Jelinek, been deemed a wonder child at film school and had got the opportunity to defend this ambitious title only 15 years later with his film “November”. The mystery is still out there.
Sarnet mostly writes his own scripts but usually bases them on some early text, often a literary classic. He is captivated by the different facets of the human soul. Sarnet sees that one must focus on that which upholds man and culture so that they do not become devalued, so that they don’t start placing value in the banal.
2011 Feature “Idoot” (“The Idiot”, 110’, color, 16mm, Homeless Bob Production)
World Premiere at Busan International Film Festival
Film of the year in 2011 - Estonian Cultural Endowment award
FIPRESCI in Palic Film Festival 2012
Best Cinematography Award in Black Nights Film Festival 2012
2007 Feature “Kuhu põgenevad hinged“ (“Where Souls Go”, 87’, color, 35mm, Exit Film)
2006 Omnibus film “Tabamata ime” (“Elusive Miracle”, HD, color, Von Krahl Theatre)
2000 Documentary “Töö” (“Work”, 58 min, color, F-7, )
1999 Short “Pauli laululaegas” (Goodbye my Love”, 36 min, 16 mm, Exit Film )
Young Talent Award by Estonian Cultural Endowment
1998 Short “Kooljad ja libarebased” (“Ghosts and Werefoxes”, 43 min, 35 mm, Exit Film)
1993 Short “Merehaigus” (“Seasickness”, 8 min, 35mm)
Grand Prix at St. Anna film festival in Moscow in 1995
Special Award at Blue Sea Film Festival in Finalnd.
