Panihida

Running time: 61 mins

When one person dies, the whole village celebrates her passing - and her life. In a remote Moldovan village an old woman dies. In an act of love, remembrance, and honor, the entire village joins in carrying her casket on the long road to the cemetery. Masterful widescreen composition and almost invisible fluid editing evoke the calm rhythm of quiet nights, roiling hot days, long dusty roads, and memories of an earlier time. Every shot is a thing of wonder; breathtaking moments abound. This beautifully poetic film, filled with unforgettable faces, hauntingly lovely music, and yes, a gentle humor as well, extols the simple truths of life, death, youth, aging, and the cyclical path we all take. One of the true gems of this or any year. - Charlie Cockey Preceded by the short film: Another Christmas; dir. Tudor Giurgiu; Romania; 15min.; For every gain there's a loss - and for a boy's Christmas, what if there's no Santa Claus?