Moldovan Television, the Chisinau-based network is basically on the *front lines* of a bloody war and quite possibly battling for its own survival.
I doubt many of you know much about Moldova, nor have even heard of it. I’d like to tell you more about Moldova, because it’s important and timely.
I’ve always been a news junkie, addicted to reading newspapers, absorbed by current events. But nothing quite prepared me for the stark contrast in the way international crises are reported than the previous few weeks of media coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The differences are jaw-dropping.
“We will restore every house, every street, every city. We tell Russia: learn the words ‘reparations’ and ‘contributions.’ You will repay us everything. Everything you did against our state, against every Ukrainian. In full. And we will not forget those who died.”
When should we return to “normal” during an international crisis? How much time should we allow to pass — while people are still fighting and dying — before we (who are fortunate enough to live in remote isolation) go back to posting pics of our lunch or sharing funny cat videos? Admittedly, I don’t know the answer to this.
THE ONE THING THE REST OF THE WORLD GOT WRONG, BUT CAN STILL GET RIGHT
Looking at the ghastly Russian invasion of Ukraine and all the death and destruction it’s caused, it’s easy to say what we should have done. And by “we” what I mean here is — the rest of the world.
“Less than a week into the war, it seems increasingly likely that Vladimir Putin is heading towards a historic defeat. He may win all the battles but still lose the war.”
I hope he’s right.
__________
Yuval Noah Harari wrote two of the best books I’ve read in the last ten years: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
UPDATE: I’m “sorry.” See the updated info about this film below, with a link to the original.
If you follow my writings and have read my movie reviews over the years, more than likely you’ve also seen my annual tribute to the Oscar-nominated short films.
Oscar-nominated short films — uh, what?
These are the categories supposedly that “nobody cares about,” as I’ve heard one cynic succinctly put it. “No one ever sees any of these movies, so why bother with them?”
Let me address that ignorance and correct this common misperception in this article.
I’ve expressed my passion for short films because they are often so moving and impactful. I make an effort to see every nominated film, each year. These films can sure pack a punch, sometimes within only a few minutes. If you don’t think it’s possible to become emersed in a story and tear up in less than four minutes, then I challenge you to try the following experiment.
Fair Warning: Get a box of tissues ready.
Consider this recent Oscar winner, titled Sorry. It was filmed in Albania in 2020. It’s about a boy who is late each day for school and gets punished. Words aren’t necessary. Understanding and forgiveness are universal. Human kindness is an international language.
We can all learn a little something from this whether we are parents or children. Please take 3 minutes and 54 seconds and watch this short film that should leave you with something special.
We can all use a lesson and a reminder of goodness and decency and here it is:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: I regret there was some misunderstanding about this film and its title. My post may have contributed to the confusion. Lost in translation, the correct title is “Don’t Judge.” Here is that film, which is not be be confused with an Indian short film titled “Sorry” which was released a few years later.
NOTE: If you enjoy this short film, also check out an amazing television commercial from Argentina, with an amazing twist at the end, also sure to leave you in tears (CLICK HERE)
Correction: This film did not win the Oscar. It was mislabeled as such in the video. I regret the error. However, the short film is still very much worth watching.
