Comments on two DVDs

Someone I know let me borrow two DVDs and I think that they are both worth checking out.

The Clay Bird is from Bangladesh and takes place in the late 60s before Bangladesh won its independence from Pakistan. It focuses on a family in which the father is an extremely religious Muslim. The film shows us the consequences of this extremism. But it also shows us that there are also people who practice the religion in a more peaceful and open manner (some of them are Sufis). This is a beautiful film that is very well acted by its mostly non-professional cast. It is directed by Tareque Masud and is based on events that happened in his childhood. The film is visually stunning and the music is lovely. The Clay Bird combines the political and the spiritual which makes it an important film in these turbulent times.

Ryna is a Romanian film set in the Danube Delta. The title character is a sixteen year old girl who suffers under her father's strict rules. He is disappointed that she is not a boy so he makes her dress like one and makes sure that she keeps her hair short. Despite the fact that Ryna does not dress like a girl there are a number of men who are after her. Ryna's mother does not approve of the way things are but she cannot stop her husband. Unable to withstand the abuse she has to take Ryna's mother leaves. Ryna defies her father and, for the first time, wears a dress. Certain events transpire and Ryna makes an important decision that will alter her life. This film is a powerful feature debut by Ruxandra Zenide and was a big hit on the festival circuit.

For those of you who like small films from foreign land both of these films are highly recommended.