Once Upon a Time... Storytelling at Its Best
Trailer and discussion is available after clicking on the link with program title
BLUE ROOM Thursday 14th 9.00 – 13.00
Session Leader: Jacqui Rainers
Times and technology may change, but the intoxicating power of a well told story stays the same. In this session, four programmes will show the power of good storytelling. Whether content is made for an analogue or digital platform, or if it is fiction or documentary, it’s all about a tale well told.
I Want a Wedding Dress
Zimbabwe / Fiction / 26’
Shopsteward: Jacqui Rainers
Programme presenter: Tsitsi Dangarembga
We meet Kundisai, a young woman in present day Zimbabwe who is in love and planning her dream wedding. All she needs to complete the dream is a beautiful wedding dress, but she cannot afford to buy it. Her fiancé cannot help, even though he is afraid she will not marry a poor man like him. On the journey to making her dreams come true Kundisai runs into many roadblocks. How will she overcome them?
Crystal World
Russian Federation / TV-Specific / 26’
Shopsteward: Jouko Salokorpi
Programme presenter: Svetlana Bychenko & Alexander Gundorov
An old Russian glass factory is at the last days of its history and existence. We see pictures showing factory workers at their work, melting material, blowing glass and having breaks in the halls, which have seen better days. There are no voice overs, no talking heads, just pictures with classical music, done in an operatic structure. The story could have been told in a documentary format, using interviews and background information. But then, why should it have been told like that?
Death of a Queen
South Africa / Fiction / 25’
Shopsteward: Jihan El Tahri
Programme presenter: Pieter Grobbelaar
This is a forceful tragedy with echoes of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the programme, we meet a monarchy that lies in ruin. And in their attempt to usurp power, this family travels through difficult experiences that challenge morals and values. This programme is more than just an African tale or a simple Shakespearean interpretation, it is a powerful re-statement of the ancient battle of good versus evil. What storytelling techniques make it such powerful television?
Artimisia
Taiwan / Fiction / 85’
Shopsteward: Jacqui Rainers
Programme presenter: Jui-yen Wu
A widow’s serene life is shattered when she discovers that her children are not the people who she thought they were. Caught between the values of her own conservative upbringing and the modern values embraced by her childen, this mother’s journey takes her through many challenges. In attempting to overcome her difficulties, will she choose the familiar or take the road less travelled?

