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Interestingly, almost all of those chosen have, in either a significant or if not, a noticeable way, the theme of the problems and issues created by rigid dogma and beliefs. None of them 'preach' this but I felt that it was a definite common theme to them.
Ave Maria
This is a relatively light little film compared to some of the others but no less powerful. Settlers from the West Bank crash at a Palestinian nunnery on the eve of Shabat. Characters are well and affectionately observed , there is even, within the constraints of the time, some degree of character development and there was not one frame that was not in the film for a good reason...either to advance the plot, show a character develop or build a relationship. There was a lovely light touch shown throughout even with characters that were, to be honest, a little cliched ( domineering mother for one). I much enjoyed this and at the end, felt that I Had seen something complete and completely worked as a short film. Too often short films can feel like a sketch over extended at one end or, at the other, a larger and bigger film/concept trimmed to fit. Neither true here.
Day One
A lengthier and powerful drama focusing on the first day of duty of an Afghan interpreter and the family they encounter. It was very well done but at the end I did have the feeling that it could also be self-contained episode in a larger canvas. I was not quite as engaged as I had been with the previous one ( and others in the group). And cinematically it was merely competent...no surprises and there was a certain, appropriate documentary-style feel about it.
Everything Will Be OK
This was a very powerful intimate chamber piece...a divorced father has his access time with his daughter but he has plans. They become apparent quite early on but the tension is very effectively racked up and we very much share the child's puzzlement, bewilderment and finally fears about what is planned. Much of it, particularly towards the end, is shot in close up which draws us in to the drama very effectively. Most interestingly, at the end when the predictable resolution is reached, I found my self feeling great sympathy for the father. Surprising but a compliment to the actor and film-makers. A very sudden ending thought which did not work...the film almost seemed to just stop although dramatic resolution had been reached.
Shok
For me probably the best of these nominees. Set in the Kosovan conflict and focusing on two child friends it managed to be both intimate ( focusing on individuals in a specific place and time) and yet with universal implications and importance...big themes like friendship, understanding, tolerance of difference etc. the tension builds superbly throughout...you do not realise how well this has been done until the ending...in one sense utterly shocking( loud gasps from the audience) but at the same time,horribly predictable. Structurally and dramatically it ends brutally with superbly effectively. The opening and closing scenes frame the story ( told in flashback) superbly well. The child performers are excellent and have that remarkable natural easy that makes one think they are genuinely experiencing the events as they unfold for the first time (and this quality was shared to by the little girl in the previous 'Everything...'
Stutterer
This was a sweet, pretty predictable little squib...probably the weakest amongst the nominees but a perfectly pleasant way to end a good session. It spent too long I establishing the main characters' nature...this was very simple and one-dimensional and did not need to take the time it did.
All in all though a pretty good collection. I think either Shok or Everything should win but we will see.