Abandoned Eden

This non-narrative documentary, wonderfully shot, poetically depicts the despair and loneliness of older Albanians who are left alone after their children have emigrated in search of a better future. Without words, using the sound of echoing steps across the desolate landscape of southern Albania, the film creates an atmosphere of melancholia. Suddenly, we hear a newborn cry and experience the ritual of its baptising, done in a traditional way. All of the inhabitants of the small village are immediately busy, dedicating their full attention to the baby. They dance and sing in the way they have done for centuries on other festive occasions. But this happiness and fulfilment will not last, since it is the destiny of this baby, and all other youngsters, to leave the village to look for a better life elsewhere. As long as the old people survive, customs will be preserved. But what will happen after they pass away from this world? With superb cinematic language and sophisticated rhythm, the filmmaker creates the suspense of a vanishing, untouched landscape and the peacefulness of collective spirit. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)