The Shutka Book of Records

Shutka, nicknamed 'Happy Valley', is a small place in Macedonia where everyone wants to be champion. It is a self-assured, self ruling Romani capital. This documentary is a chance to take a look at a world that is usually closed to outsiders. The narrative line has a unique form: various personal statements were recorded with four cameras, so Alexandar Manic was able to create a mosaic of fascinating characters and impressive scenes from everyday life. Our personal guide in the film is none other than Dr Koljo (Severdzan Bajram), a character from Emir Kusturica's film Black Cat, White Cat. The encounter with the inhabitants of Shutka is made up of a combination of documentary material and acted personal stories (occasionally touchingly overacted), and also provides a picture of the lively social events that take place all year. The film maker combines colour and black & white shorts, short sequences of animation photography and visual effects that are reminiscent of old documentaries. As a result, he manages to make a unique portrait of this unusual spot on the map and its happy inhabitants. A stunning and cheerful film reminiscent of our Romani Cinema programme last year. (LC)