Pryvoz

The title of the short film-Pryvoz means Import in Ukrainian. The writer-director Eva Neymann highlights the culture, happiness, and togetherness in the cinematic piece beautifully so that its target audience engages with the content and relates to their country, and feels the pride in belonging to Ukraine.

The plot of this documentary revolves around Pryvoz one of the oldest and the largest European markets. Everyone goes there and tends to find something. Those searching for miracles or change in destiny, human soul, and time will not leave empty- handed.

The Director Neymann and the cinematographer Sasa Oreskovic utilize the Mid-shot along with the hint of colour by Pavlo Zalesov to establish the functioning of the market. The set design, dialogues, lighting, sound, costume, hair, and makeup give a sense of being organized amidst the chaos around the place. By doing this the makers add realism to the narrative of the creative piece. The bells ringing in the background have connotations of new beginnings and hope. The long shot of Pryvoz showcases the wide variety of stuff being sold and also the congregation it attracts towards it. The Location manager Anzhela Chebotar along with Editor Pavlo Zalesov work together to maintain the continuity of the short film ensuring the smooth flow of the storyline. The tracking and close-up shots portray the bonds, and interactions between all segments of the population in the city. The various songs included at regular interval of time complements the narrative and shape the climax of the film.

In terms of performance, the film features multiple actors who represent the varied emotions and experiences each individual goes through every day. This flea market provides an opportunity for all these characters to fulfill their separate requirements and spending time with friends and family becomes an added benefit for them. The body language and voice modulation by these artists depict the raw nature of the film so that Eva Neymann can showcase the good as well as the bad elements of society effortlessly.

Pryvoz has many life lessons hidden in the storyline. The film talks about not running towards careless pleasures and always seeking self-improvement. The documentary tells us that hope is one weapon that will help everybody fight off the internal as well as external demons to survive the time one has to spend on this earth. The short film also teaches us the mantra of being self-reliant at any stage of the life cycle. The movie shows the audience that happiness isn’t directly proportionate to money and a luxurious lifestyle.

In my opinion, the short film Pryvoz captures the physical and emotional struggles of the customers and vendors very elegantly. I like the simple and realistic approach of the director and the creative team making this piece even more emotionally appealing to a wider audience due to the present situation prevailing in the country. The filmmaker with this short film has attempted to express her adulation towards her motherland for its undying high spirit.