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Plot
Spanning continents and cultures, Comrades in Dreams weaves a compelling narrative around the shared passion and pursuit of four cinema enthusiasts. This cinematic odyssey, a tale of love and dedication, knits together the lives of these four individuals from corners of the world as diverse as North Korea, the United States, India, and Africa. Despite the vast geographical distances and starkly contrasting realities, the film unravels an unexpected unity in their dreams – an unconditional love for the silver screen and the evocative power it possesses.
In the heart of North Korea, we meet Han Jong Sil, a woman whose existence oscillates between propaganda, personal aspirations, and mundane tasks. Yet, her radiant smile is a testament to her love for life. Her dream? To enrich people's lives through the magic of cinema. An embodiment of resilience and hope, she shines brightly against a backdrop of uniformity.
On the other side of the globe, in Wyoming, USA, Penny Tefertiller pours her energy into creating a communal space for the young and the lonely. With something of a missionary spirit, she strives to bring her cinematic dream alive, echoing the same fervor as Han Jong Sil.
The story takes us next to Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest countries, where Lassane and his friends Luc and Zakaria have gambled everything to resurrect a dilapidated open-air cinema. Their audacious venture is a testament to their self-confidence and their unwavering faith in the transformative power of cinema.
In contrast, we meet Anup from India, who is riding a wave of success. His bustling cinema tent, showcasing popular films from the Maharashtra region, is a testament to his instinctive understanding of cinema and its impact. Known as the "King of the Traveling Cinema," Anup is a beacon of prosperity in a landscape of struggle.
However, Comrades in Dreams doesn't restrict itself to the confines of these theaters. It ventures beyond the reel, capturing the narratives unfolding off screen, from tales of cowboys in church to the arrival of Titanic in North Korea. These anecdotes, told with a loving attention to detail, underscore the universal reach of cinema.
At its heart, this film is a celebration of dreams, reminding us that sometimes the most captivating stories are not just seen on screen, but lived by the dreamers who make them possible. The shared quest for a little happiness, the universal longing for connection, and the unifying power of dreams bring our heroes close, making Comrades in Dreams an exploration of humanity's shared love for stories and the power they hold to shape our lives.
Where to watch Comrades in Dreams?
Comrades in Dreams is a documentary movie featuring Anup Jagdale and directed by Uli Gaulke.
Comrades in Dreams is currently streaming on Fandor.