The closing film of the Fleadh this year was particularly poignant. While we are all delighted to be back indoors watching films after a two year hiatus, this well chosen final film of the week puts a lot into perspective.
Carol of the Bells is a period piece from Ukraine. Set in the early 1940s and going all the way up to the 70s it does a remarkable job of showing the struggles the country has gone, as seen here through through the eyes of a family.
Almost entirely set in a peaceful lower-class neighbourhood in Ukraine (then Poland ), in a building occupied by three families. One is Jewish, one is Polish and the final one Ukrainian. At first they are wary of each other but as the children become friends, the adults begin to mix and start to look out for each other.
When the soviet occupation takes place in 1939 and the Polish family is targeted, the parents are taken to a camp in Siberia but manages to hide their child with the Polish family who they welcome into their family.
It was deeply disturbing watching a Russian soldier come into a Ukrainian household and take people away. The film was shot before the war and it hard to believe what you are seeing, given the last six months. Soon the Nazis take over and the Polish family is targeted.
Again the young children are taken in by the Ukrainians and they must survive under a brutal occupation with five small mouths to feed. Over time the patriarch realises he must join the resistance but it makes life even harder on the family.
It's a deeply sad film but with lots of really beautiful and happy moments. When I read back the synopsis it sounds like two hours of misery but really there are laughs and some really lovely moments. Particularly the few times the young girls singing the titular song.
Its a song I always loved and had no idea it was a composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Directed by Olesya Morgunets who did a really terrific job moving us through eras and occupations within a small budget. The acting is really its great strength, the young girls are terrific (not something I usually say about child actors ) but it is the matriarch played by newcomer Lana Koroliova who brings the film to life with a powerful and assured performance.
It was very moving screening with the director, producer and star in the room. They did a brief Q and A after the film. Actress Lana Koroliova told the audience she has relocated to Ireland since the war and feels very welcomed, but I can’t even imagine what it was like having to do press about a film during such a time. When asked about distribution they don’t have anything finalised but I imagine it will be in cinemas later in the year with an eye on best foreign language nomination at the Oscars which I would put good money on it getting. I imagine back in Ukraine this will be a huge hit.
