Transnistra

Dreamy documentary about the inner lives of underprivileged teens in Transnistria, an area that unilaterally declared independence from Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but remains unrecognised. Although ostensibly this declaration was occasioned by unity between the inhabitants, there is little evidence of this. Swedish director Anna Eborn reveals the uncertainty among youngsters. Should they stay or leave? Do they even have the money to do so?

Transnistra focuses on the daily lives of six teens. Tanya plays the field with her male friends while she has a boyfriend abroad. She takes the boys into nature or to dilapidated tower blocks for brief trysts or to have good company. Combined with sensual music, Eborn’s intimate shots suggest this idyll is fleeting. Life is extra evanescent in a non-existent country. 

Winner VPRO Big Screen Award, IFFR 2019.