Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Aleksandar Valeriev Stanishev
Tonislav Hristov reveals the transformative healing of a young woman through fantasy role-play.
Festival Section:
World Cinema Documentary Competition
Country:
Finland/Denmark/Bulgaria
Sundance Program Description:
Wizards, magic spells, and heroic sword battles are just fantasy for some, but for Veera they’re a meaningful part of conquering her inner trauma. When Veera transforms into her LARP (live-action role-play) persona V, the game’s fantasy battlefields give her a space to combat her psychological turmoil. Tormented by her past, Veera finds in LARP the support and solace she needs to become the hero of her own story.
Tonislav Hristov’s elegant film is an intimate representation of an epic emotional journey. Wielding a tight camera, Hristov deftly translates Veera’s internal struggle into nuanced cinematic moments. Images of Veera traversing snowy landscapes offer transitional reprieve between her battlegrounds. Flashes from home videos offer impressionistic glimpses into her childhood. Discussions about her father are a source of tension between Veera and her disabled brother, whom she cares for. Therapy sessions slowly reveal the complexities of Veera’s struggle. Yet remembering and speaking about these memories goes only so far – Veera will need V’s courage if she’s going to confront her most intimidating challenge of all.
Some Background:
Director/Screenwriter/Editor:
Past Sundance docs:
THE GOOD POSTMAN (2017)
This is the seventh doc feature for the Finland-based, Bulgarian-born Hristov, whose previous work has screened at IDFA, Hot Docs, Karlovy Vary, and Tribeca, among other events.
Producer/Screenwriter:
Past Sundance docs:
THE GOOD POSTMAN
HAPPINESS (2014)
Making Movies’ Aho is an Emmy-nominated co-producer of THE LOOK OF SILENCE and also produced Hristov’s previous films.
Producer:
Past Sundance docs:
THE GOOD POSTMAN
Making Movies CEO/co-founder Nordberg also produced Hristov’s earlier work.
Co-Producers:
This marks the first Sundance credit for Barford, who has previously produced docs that have debuted at IDFA and CPH:DOX, and is producing a new film by the Oscar-nominated Feras Fayyad.
Past Sundance docs:
THE GOOD POSTMAN
This is the fourth doc feature by Hristov on which Stanoeva has worked.
Editor:
Past Sundance docs:
THE WORKERS CUP (2017)
Story Editor:
Past Sundance docs:
OF FATHERS AND SONS (2018)
THE WORKERS CUP
RETURN TO HOMS (2014)
Fabini also cut Sundance fiction alums THE TALE, MORRIS FROM AMERICA, HOUSTON, and RUN LOLA RUN.
Co-Writer:
Past Sundance docs:
THE GOOD POSTMAN
Why You Should Watch:
Hristov sensitively and expertly balances Veera’s search for catharsis and help for her brother, Ville, both within LARP and in the real world. What in other hands could have become staid filmmaking-as-therapy instead takes on a fresh, transcendent path.
More Info:
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For Sundance screening dates and times, click the film title in the first paragraph.
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