Lost and Found

Six filmmakers from six eastern European countries tell six stories about things in common, differences and new self-understanding in one film.
Nurtured in war and turmoil, raised in fragile democracies, the first post-Communist generation from Central and Eastern Europe is now poised to play a leading role in the world. In ´Lost and Found´, six young filmmakers from this region present their personal views on the subject of ´generation´ and the many changes that sometimes separate them from the generation of their parents.… citeşte

Six filmmakers from six eastern European countries tell six stories about things in common, differences and new self-understanding in one film.
Nurtured in war and turmoil, raised in fragile democracies, the first post-Communist generation from Central and Eastern Europe is now poised to play a leading role in the world. In ´Lost and Found´, six young filmmakers from this region present their personal views on the subject of ´generation´ and the many changes that sometimes separate them from the generation of their parents. There are moving tributes to traditional values in a world of rapid technological change (Bulgaria) and to the pragmatic, can-do spirit of the elder generation (Serbia-Montenegro). There is hope: in the story of two Bosnian girls on either side of a town separated by an ethnic and religious chasm; in that of two Hungarian siblings who confront their tormented past after their mother´s death; and in the touching tale of a Romanian girl torn between her love for her mother - and for her pet turkey! Linking each of the little stories is an animated short from Estonia that celebrates life itself. In ´Lost and Found´, a generation takes a look at itself - and confidently asserts its position in a new Europe.
Young directors, amongst the most talented of their respective country of origin, were then invited to tell their very personal "generation story". A full-length film has developed out of the six short films - five of the films (four short films and a short documentary) are tied together visually and dramatically by an independent animation story.
Taking up an idea of the artistic director Nikolaj Nikitin, relations initiated the film project, which was then developed together with the Cologne production company ICON FILM (Herbert Schwering and Christine Kiauk) and an expert advisory board (Gabriele Brunnenmeyer, Media Antenne Berlin-Brandenburg / Didi Danquart, director and scriptwriter / Sibylle Kurz, dramaturgy consultant). Five workshops were held in the run-up to production and during the post-production phase. All of the directors and producers took part in several meetings to work jointly on the scripts and to fuse the individual episodes into a single film. The advisory board, headed by Nikolaj Nikitin, was involved in developing the project from the very beginning. The short films were realized in the respective countries, while the subsequent post-production took place in Germany.
The goal of the project is to bring together filmmakers from smaller countries of eastern Europe with a view to supporting independent production infrastructure in this region, forging links to western European or German production partners, and strengthening already existing ties. This cooperation provides the young directors with a shared international platform for presenting their work. At the same time, the project creates contacts for future cooperation between German producers and production companies in eastern European countries.
1. The Ritual (short film - director Nadejda Koseva, Bulgaria). Georgi's parents prepare a magnificent wedding party for their son in their Bulgarian village. Although the party guests are already celebrating boisterously, the most important persons are yet to arrive - the bride and groom.
2. Turkey girl (short film - director Cristian Mungiu, Romania). Tatjana's mother lies seriously ill in a Bucharest hospital. Tatjana is entrusted with the task of traveling to the capital and handing over the payment for the operation to the doctor, which also includes her beloved turkey. A journey with many surprises begins.
3. Birthday (short documentary - director Jasmila Zbanic, Bosnia-Herzegovina). Dunja and Ines, two ten-year-old schoolgirls, live in Mostar. They have never met before because the Neretva River divides the city. But in summer 2004 the famous historical bridge, destroyed during the war, is to be reopened.
4. Short lasting silence (short film - director Kornel Mundruczo, Hungary). After the death of their mother, an expert in questions of suicide meets his sister again for the first time in ages. As the evening unfolds they have to face up to their shared past.
5. Fabulouse Vera (short film - director: Stefan Arsenijevic, Serbia). The working day of the tram conductor Vera takes its monotonous course, until she takes over the wheel one day. But she loses control of the tram and only a courageous policeman can prevent the looming disaster.
6. Gene+Ratio (animation - director Mait Laas, Estonia). An architect tries to help his wife as she gives birth to their child. As he does he slips into a fantastic journey and experiences all manner of wondrous things between the stars and the sea.