13 Tzameti

The hero of this story, reminiscent of the early works of Bresson and Wenders, is young Sebastien (played by Georges Babluani). Prompted by the vision that he will make lots of money, he enters a strange world behind closed doors which has something of a nightmarish quality about it, where he is required to play a bizarre game of survival. “Memories of my childhood keep coming back to me,” says the director. “The fixed images I have are like rays of light cutting through the darkness. They are always vaguely present, but when I try to re-discover their virginal quality, I no longer sense that childhood innocence.” This original black-and-white film in the style of film noir is a remarkable testimony of people, their arrogance, malice and fear. –Karlovy Vary Film Festival