This short film was one of the entries at the Green Festival in Seoul Korea,in a category called Mother Earth. Shadow Tree's story is economical and to the point. It deals with the simple, but at the same time, very complex environmental theme of water, particularly complex as it is set in Africa, and Zanzibar to be precise. The main character is a Tanzanian boy faced with the dilemma of trying to keep his fish alive which then leads to some problem-solving that might be beyond him. Although there is little dialogue, and that is in Swahili (with English subtitles), the story is nonetheless clearly rendered. Some particularly enjoyable aspects were the striking setting and uncluttered expert photography.
2 Reviews
short but sweet
cinemaflorence17 June 2014
I saw the film in the 2014 Green Film festival in Seoul Korea. It's an interesting work from a director who shoots films in different languages in different countries. The story line is interesting and the setting which is Zanzibar, in Tanzania, is unusual and visually very interesting. Our part of the world doesn't often get to see cinema from Zanzibar so it's refreshing. The theme is handled on a small scale but in an intimate way. The idea of an African boy with nothing trying to find solutions in a place where there aren't many, drew me in to it In a short span of time, this movie deals with some major themes likes how far your faith will take you. It's also a parable about survival. Worth watching.
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