Comrades in Dreams is a 2006 documentary film that takes the audience on a journey across the globe to explore the unique and fascinating world of small-town cinemas. The film follows four managers of small, independently owned cinemas in four different countries: Burkina Faso, North Korea, India, and Uganda. Each manager has their own set of challenges to face, ranging from censorship to electricity outages.
The film begins in Burkina Faso, where Lasanne Badiel manages the Cine Guimbi, a cinema built in the 1950s. Despite being the only cinema in the region, the Cine Guimbi faces competition from bootleg DVDs and video piracy. Lasanne treats her job with the utmost dedication, as she sees her cinema as a cultural institution that brings knowledge and entertainment to the people of her community.
Next, we are taken to North Korea, where we meet Yong-Sil Han, the manager of the Ponghwa Cinema. North Korea has a strict censorship policy, and all films are screened and approved by the government before being shown to the public. Despite this, Yong-Sil is still able to showcase films from around the world and takes pride in selecting movies that will resonate with the North Korean audience.
In India, we meet Anup Jagdale, the manager of the Aradhana Cinema. This cinema is the backbone of the small village of Pimpri, and Anup's job is to bring entertainment to the villagers that is both affordable and enjoyable. Bollywood films play a significant role in Indian cinema, but Anup strives to provide a diverse selection of movies to cater to all tastes.
The final stop on this cinematic journey takes us to Uganda, where we meet Komakech, the manager of the Epic Centre cinema. Uganda has a vibrant film industry, and Epic Centre is at the heart of it. Komakech faces unique challenges, including frequent blackouts, but he remains passionate about his job and sees great value in the communal experience of watching films.
The four managers all share a love for cinema, an appreciation for the power it has to bring people together, and a dedication to their communities. Each manager's story is unique, yet together they weave a narrative that explores the intricacies of small-town cinemas around the world. Comrades in Dreams is a beautiful meditation on the importance of cinema, and the remarkable role it plays in our lives.
