Là-bas, a short film directed by Jean Counet in 2003, is a poignant exploration of longing and displacement. The film centers on a young immigrant, portrayed by Irina Burlakova, who yearns for her country of origin.
At just 3 minutes long, Là-bas showcases Counet's ability to convey complex emotions and narratives in a concise format. The film's impact is evident in its critical acclaim and festival success:
Winner of the Best Dutch Short Film prize (NPS 2003)
Best Fiction Film award at the Courtisane Film Festival in Ghent
CANAL+ Jury Prize
Counet's intuitive and subtle filming style, which he describes as finding "a balance of what an image shows and what it suggests," is likely on full display in Là-bas. This approach allows the audience to connect deeply with the protagonist's inner world and the universal theme of homesickness.
As one of Counet's early works, Là-bas laid the foundation for his future success in both documentary and feature filmmaking. It demonstrates his keen eye for capturing authentic moments and his ability to tell compelling stories through visual language.
The film's exploration of immigration and cultural identity remains relevant today, making Là-bas a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences over two decades after its creation.
A film by Jean Counet
With: Irina Burlakova
(C) 2002 TAM Films
Awards: NPS Prijs Beste Nederlandse Korte Film 2003, Nederlands Film Festival Utrecht, Nederland 2003 -
With: Irina Burlakova
(C) 2002 TAM Films
Awards: NPS Prijs Beste Nederlandse Korte Film 2003, Nederlands Film Festival Utrecht, Nederland 2003 -
Prijs van de jury, CANAL+ (Europa) 2002 - Best Fictie, Courtisane, Gent, België 2002
