In three parts, three sparks (Naomi Uman, 2023) presents an outsider’s look into rural Albanian life. A bold and brilliant look into village life, it can be seen as an excellent examination into the local cultural intricacies, yet still preserves a genuine sense of intimacy in how it expresses the gratitude she has for a community that welcomed her as a guest.
The main part of three sparks (2023) is titled Free until Dawn. It’s a reference to a local custom of letting dogs, chained during the day, to roam free until the sun rises. Yet, one might interpret the title as a reference to the limitations put on women in their daily lives as part of local traditional laws, or the Kanun. This archaic patriarchal powerhold can be candidly seen. As explained in the film, “men are supremely important” in local culture. So much so that if a local couple is unable to have children, a family member “will give them a son to raise as their own”. three sparks (2023) also touches on sensitive topics surrounding arranged marriages, problems of poverty and the flight from the village to seek opportunities abroad.
Free Until Dawn is in black and white, with the picture itself having an antiquated quality, like a silent movie–without any subtitles and only background dialogue–with any important socio-cultural contexts and conditions presented in continuous title cards by the filmmaker. Presented as if it is found footage from a time past, the usage of this technique is effective in discerning the disconnect between the reality of traditional rural life in the documentary.
It is important to note that three sparks (2023) is also rich in its celebration of certain cultural aspects of the local community that Naomi Uman personally found to be welcoming. There is, for example, an acceptance of some forms of gender fluidity and religious pluralism. What is most wonderful is the element of warmth in the documentary. This is best seen in the final part, Xixa, presented in colour, in which through the fly-on-the-wall style we hear the voices and views of the locals with a fantastic focus on the infectious spirit of the children.
In what can often be an increasingly polarised world, this documentary by a Mexican and New York-based filmmaker about her deeply felt connection with Rabdisht–a rural village in Northern Albania and the people in it–is perhaps the antidote we all need. Where one might find darkness, there is always light and you just need to find a spark.
Follow Naomi Uman and her rousing adventures following the locals of Rabdisht as part of Festival Film Dokumenter 2023. The film is in competition at the International Feature–Length Competition. (Aradi Ghalizha) (Vanis)
Film Details
three sparks
Naomi Uman | 95 Min | 2023 | Albania, Mexico | Color & BW | 21+
Screening Schedule
12.04 | Gedung ex Bioskop Permata | 19.00 WIB
