Logline

“Jar of Time” follows a year in the life of Ayshe, Jemal and the last herd of cows. The daily anxieties and relationship of the couple intertwine with their nomadic lifestyle in the rhythm of the changing seasons in the Rhodope mountain in Bulgaria.

Synopsis

Ayshe (52) and Jemal (57) are Bulgarian muslims (“pomaks”), who live modestly, taking care of a herd of cows near the Shiroka Polyana dam in Rhodope mountain in Bulgaria. The summer months are full of hard work and the two support themselves by selling the dairy products they produce.

With the onset of autumn, Ayshe and Jemal prepare winter supplies by slaughtering some of their calves and cows. They are preparing to return to the village of Birkova, where they spend the winter months. The two, together with their cows and horse make the journey there on foot. During the difficult winter, Ayshe and Jemal live off their supplies and they get the chance to meet their family, who spends the summers working in agricultural farms in France. Spring brings new hope, both for Ayshe and Jemal and for the herd.

Director’s Statement

“Jar of Time” breaks the classical framework of documentary cinema and tells an intimate story in a poetic way without many words. In order to achieve an authentic and impactful visual identity, we intend to use a filmic language that is stylized and reminiscent of a feature film, staying true to its mission of presenting a real story.

Wide shots and drone shots that reveal the magic of  the Western Rhodopes are combined with close-ups and details that build the image of  the main characters Ayshe and Jemal and reveal nuances in their daily lives and relationship.

The camera remains invisible, a witness to life, and the story is revealed to the viewer in a subtle and non-literal way, without “talking head” shots. In order to achieve maximum natural behavior from Ayshe and Jemal, we plan to use long focus lenses that will give us distance from the characters. The change of seasons is presented through the prism of changing nature, using visual effects and time-lapse techniques, and each season brings its own color scheme. And while the natural shots are total and fluid, the camera is handheld in the scenes between Ayshe and Jemal, which allows for their emotions to develop in the breathing shots.

The editing style will rely on slow rhythm and smooth transition of frames, which further enhances the sense of visual aesthetics.

The aim is to look for the identity of each season in the soundscape. Special focus is placed on the sounds of nature, which are interwoven to the point of musicality and rhythm.

Nevena Semova

Short Bio of the director

Nevena Semova is an independent producer and director based between Bulgaria and Estonia. Her directorial debut“1000” had its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2023, while her previous projects as producer have been presented at festivals like Clermont-Ferrand, FEST, Wild Dogs, In the Palace and Uşak Film Festival. Notable awards include: “Hunger” – Best Student Film at the EDIFF 2022 (UK), “Unfamiliars” – Best Actress at Lulea Festival 2023, “Imposer” – Best Baltic Music Video at Riga IFF 2023.

Nevena received a Young Producer award (Golden Femi Festival 2023), Baltic MEDIA Producers Award (Baltic Pitching Forum 2022) and a selection to New Producers Room at Cannes Film Festival 2023.