Section: Homeland | Domownja | Domizna

Šnórki - dudy - kantorki – Slepjanska Ludowa Kultura

The Folklore of the Schleife Region

Martin Slivka
GDR, 1984, 30 Min

A foray through the Sorbian customs of central Lusatia, made in the GDR. This classic work of documentary filmmaking covers the course of a year, in the process elaborating on village architecture, furniture, costumes, handicrafts, legends and oral traditions, as well as significant customs such as Zapust and the gift giving child.

Domowina e.V.

In the process Sorbian culture is presented as folklore, as opposed to a lived reality, and one that constitutes but one element of the socialist community of peoples. Members of various folklore circles and a number of their activities are presented, as well as the songs and dances that accompany diverse celebrations. An interesting contemporary document that not only illustrates ideological principles, but also provides evidence of a certain persistence of Sorbian culture. Furthermore the film documents a form of village existence that can no longer be encountered today: note the street scenes featuring elderly women in traditional costume. In its final stages the film doesn't shy away from a critical tone, with its reference to the threat posed to Sorbian existence by the mining industry. GL

Filmformat
Pro Re | Doc. | Farbe/ colour
Drehbuch
Martin Slivka
Kamera
Michael Börner
Ton
Heinz Kaiser, Philipp Werner
Schnitt
Gita Černáková
Musik
Alfons Janca
Produktion
DEFA-Studio für Trickfilme Dresden (Produktionsgruppe Sorbischer Film)

Martin Slivka -

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