The Light Thief | Svet-Ake
Kubat is irresistible. His Mr. Light may be an innocent in terms of the
so-called civilized world but his intuitive perspicacity, mix of humility
and pride [...] make him complex and human.
- Hollywood Reporter
They call him “Svet-ake” (“Mr. Light”). The electrician is responsible for
bringing more than just light to the people around him. Like moths,
everybody is drawn to his kindness: those with short circuits in their
electricity, and those with short circuits in their marriage, those who
have taken all the power in the city, and those who have given up the
will to live. He helps everyone and is everywhere. He doesn’t even
shy from breaking the law, rewinding an old and lonely pensioner’s
electricity meter so that he doesn’t owe the State, but rather the State
owes him.
The economic devastation of the country has had an enormous impact
on the working people and yet despite the upheaval they have not lost
the ability to love, to suffer, to share their lives with friends, and enjoy
what they have… in particular our resilient electrician who possesses a
wonderful and open heart. He not only brings electric light (which is
often out) to the lives of the inhabitants of this village, but he also
spreads the light of love, loyalty, life, and most of all, lots of laughter.
He only has two dreams: to someday have a son and to provide people
with cheaper energy through wind power.
The country is the midst of a revolution. Power lies in the hands of
greed-driven people, obsessed with their personal enrichment.
“Svet-ake” is a resistance against this dark madness. He who brings
the light, takes it away, leaving the darkness in the dark. Only the
light of the dream remains glowing in the night; a candle of a very
delicate hope.
Cast and Crew |
|
director |
Aktan Arym Kubat |
| production | Oy Art Kyrgyzstan ASAP Films France Pallas Film Germany Volya Films Netherlands |
length |
80' |
| genre | fiction |
Sales and Distribution |
|
distributor |
Contact Film Benelux |
int. sales |
Match Factory Germany |
Festivals |
Cannes Film Festival 2010, Quinzaine / Director's Fortnight
|