Black Kites (1996)

Black Kites Poster

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 skillfully merges the reality-based content of her journal 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.

Film Overview
"Black Kites" is a prominent short film that premiered in 1996, written and directed by the multi-talented artist Jo Andres. It's well-known for its unconventional movie-making style, incorporating different kinds of arts, including dance, theater, movie, and lovely imagery. The film is naturally unique in its storytelling method, making it an one-of-a-kind, visually gripping story that showcases Andres' exceptional skills in developing a striking imagery story.

Plot Summary
Based on the 1992 diary of Alma Hajric, a Sarajevo artist and instructor stranded in her home during the Bosnian War, "Black Kites" uses a chilling yet compelling view of war and humanity. The approximately 30-minute movie offers an in-depth point of view of Alma's life as she tried to endure in war-torn Sarajevo, keeping her hope alive in the middle of extreme misfortune.

The film's narrative is propelled by the images and text from Alma's journal, which was sketched and composed during the 1992 siege of Sarajevo. The journal entries paint a traumatic picture of the severe realities of war-- shelling, snipers, fear, hunger, and death-- while simultaneously representing the strength of the human spirit amidst the misfortunes of war.

Cinematic Style and Themes
One of the main features of "Black Kites" is its unconventional cinematic style. Andres utilizes a mix of her own original video footage, animations based on Hajric's diary sketches, and documentary material shot in Sarajevo by her brother-in-law, Carter Burwell, and Wojciech Szumowski, to tell Hajric's story.

The film juggles with styles of survival, worry, strength, and the extensive effects of war on regular citizens. Yet, it also highlights the impressive endurance of the human spirit in times of severe crisis.

Performance and Impact
The movie stars acclaimed starlet Mimi Goese as the interpretative dancer, who masterfully narrates the harrowing tale of the Bosnian War from a civilian's point of view. Her exceptional performance adds an extra layer of feeling to the narrative highlighting the strength and spirit through looming misery.

In regards to effect, "Black Kites" has actually served as a reliable medium presenting the cooling truth of war. The film's powerful combination of documentary footage, animation, journal sketches, and interpretive dance successfully transcends standard filmmaking standards, developing an evocative and gentle testimony of survival throughout warfare.

Honors
"Black Kites" is a critically-acclaimed film, winning the very best Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1996 and the San Francisco International Film Festival's Golden Gate Award. Throughout the years, it has been evaluated at numerous celebrations worldwide, and its special technique to war storytelling continues to resonate with audiences, making "Black Kites" a significant contribution to avant-garde cinema.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Black Kites" is a poignant narrative that uses numerous kinds of art to communicate a powerful message. It tells the tale of war from a civilian's point of view, beautifully encapsulating the durability of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The movie stands as a statement to Jo Andres' impressive imagination and creative efficiency and stays an inspiring retelling of a turning point in human history.

Top Cast

  • Steve Buscemi (small)
    Steve Buscemi
  • Mira Furlan (small)
    Mira Furlan
    Narrator
  • Mimi Goese
  • Lucian Buscemi
  • Maryette Charlton