Krista Burāne's film The Fairytale of Empty Space is a documentary fairytale which tells the story of the life and work of accomplished European scenographer and educator Andris Freibergs, and his quest to find the empty space.
The artist sees his life being catalogued and curated, as he prepares for an exhibition comprising his life's work, uncovering distinguished art pieces and stories from his past, which are told through animation. Meanwhile, the stories of the present and future are viewed through the eyes of his students, exploring the relationships between generations, between mentors and pupils, between fathers and sons. This story takes place in the shadow of death, which has been a constant presence in the protagonist's life. And yet, it is also a tale about the joy of life and hope in the future.
The artist paints a self-portrait by shaping the stage for an imaginary production titled Andris Freibergs. He transforms himself into a space that contains close to eighty years worth of stunning success, tragic loss, birth and death. It is an attempt to create the perfect empty space- one that would simultaneously encompass everything and nothing, the beginning and the end.
***
AWARDED NATIONAL FILM AWARD “LIELAIS KRISTAPS” IN 2017
THE BEST DIRECTOR, BEST DOP, BEST ANIMATION ARTWORK
Written and directed by Krista Burane
Director of photography: Valdis Celmins
Editor: Krista Burane
Art director and animator: Toms Burans
Composer: Reinis Sejans
Producer: Uldis Cekulis
VFS Films, 2017
