It only takes ten minutes for directors Jus Jeraj and Atila Urbancic to tell the charming story of men and their tractors, and the community that proudly stands behind them.
The film, Trahere, takes an intimate look at the locals of a closely knit Slovenian rural town, where religion and farming practices are central. The local folk--the ones parked at picnic benches and walking the twisted roads of the country-- stand alongside and, in some scenes, literally cheer on the noble farmers of the land.
Exhibiting impressive film techniques, some shots seem almost still-life capturing men posed with their tractors or in their garages, juxtaposed with the bustle of a busy tractor get together or serene countryside flora.
The overwhelming feeling of this film is rural bliss; though there were times this reviewer wasn’t too sure if the moments captured on screen were the impassioned realities of community members or, rather, scripted comical portrayals of such people.
Nonetheless, what was captured was genuine human expression over a common interest: tractors. This is a top pick film for anyone with a keen interest in tractors.
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
Photos courtesy of FLYING FILM FESTIVAL
About the Author:
Margaret Smith is a writer, editor, and critic achieving her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago. Having migrated from small-town Illinois, she now dwells in Chicago with a curious eye for art and a penchant for commentary. When not putting pen to paper, you might catch her about the city sipping coffee and filling in crossword puzzles.
