APUHA – A Candid Reflection on Inner Struggles
Directed by Jean Counet in 2001, APUHA is a short documentary that captures the raw and intimate confession of a young Russian woman, portrayed by Arina Matvejeva. Through a monologue in front of a mirror, she reflects on the contradictions within her inner world, balancing intense feelings of happiness and sadness. Her words reveal the difficulty of expressing such deep emotions to others, creating a deeply personal and universal narrative.
The film’s observational style highlights Counet’s talent for allowing individuals to blossom before the camera, unlocking their innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. At just 5 minutes long, APUHAis a powerful exploration of human emotion and introspection, showcasing Counet’s ability to create meaningful connections between his subjects and viewers.
Awards and Recognition
APUHA quickly won multiple awards after its release, even surpassing graduation films in competitions. The highlight was winning the Best Film award at the Courtisane Short Film Festival in Ghent (2002). Additionally, the film was selected for various international festivals, including:
APUHA received critical acclaim shortly after its release, winning the Best Film award at the Courtisane Kortfilmfestival in Ghent (2002). The film was also selected for numerous international film festivals, including:
Gorcums Filmfestival, Gorinchem, The Netherlands (2002)
Teekfestival, Breda, The Netherlands (2002)
Bunter Hund Short Film Festival, Munich, Germany (2003)
Krakffa Festival, Krakow, Poland (2003)
PEK Festival, The Hague, The Netherlands (2005)
Additionally, APUHA was broadcast on VPRO in 2003 and Kino Polska in 2005, further extending its reach to audiences across Europe.
A Testament to Counet’s Early Talent
As one of Counet’s early works during his studies at Sint Lukas Hogeschool in Brussels, APUHAexemplifies his intuitive filmmaking style. His ability to balance what an image shows with what it suggests is evident throughout the film. This approach allows viewers to connect deeply with the subject’s emotions while reflecting on their own inner contradictions.
Through its candid portrayal of vulnerability and self-reflection, APUHA remains a timeless piece that resonates with audiences worldwide. It stands as an early testament to Jean Counet’s talent for capturing authentic human experiences and unlocking profound emotional truths through film.
With: Arina Matvejeva
Director/Cinematographer/Producer/Editor: Jean Counet
(C) 2001 TAM Films
Award: Best Film Courtisane Ghent 2002
TV Broadcasts: VPRO 2003, Kino Polska 2005
Festival Selections:
Courtisane Kortfilmfestival, Gent, Belgium 2002
Gorcums Filmfestival, Gorinchem, The Netherlands 2002
Teekfestival, Breda, The Netherlands 2002
Bunter Hund, Shortfilmfestival, Munchen, Germany 2003
Krakffa, Krakau, Poland, 2003
PEK Festival, The Hague, The Netherlands 2005
Director/Cinematographer/Producer/Editor: Jean Counet
(C) 2001 TAM Films
Award: Best Film Courtisane Ghent 2002
TV Broadcasts: VPRO 2003, Kino Polska 2005
Festival Selections:
Courtisane Kortfilmfestival, Gent, Belgium 2002
Gorcums Filmfestival, Gorinchem, The Netherlands 2002
Teekfestival, Breda, The Netherlands 2002
Bunter Hund, Shortfilmfestival, Munchen, Germany 2003
Krakffa, Krakau, Poland, 2003
PEK Festival, The Hague, The Netherlands 2005
