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May It Fill Your Soul

May It Fill Your Soul (2016)

Jan 01, 2016 57m Documentary History Music

May It Fill Your Soul is a film about Bulgarian traditional music, about the pain of emigration and the promise of immigration, and about a family with a century-long musical history. Bulgaria's astonishingly rich village music traditions include strong women's singing, musical instruments with roots its millennia-old pastoral lifestyle and its 500-year history in the Ottoman Empire, and its lively dancing in additive meters of 5, 7, 9, and 11 beats to the measure. These practices are presented through the lens of a musical family trained during Bulgaria's communist regime (1944-1989) to represent the best that Bulgaria had to offer the world, but who made the wrenching decision in the post-communist period to immigrate to the United States for the sake of their daughters' futures. From that vantage point they have been able to teach their art to, and "fill the souls" of, singers, dancers, musicians, and audiences all over the world.

Cast

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Kostadin Varimezov

as Self

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Ivan Varimezov

as Self

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Tzvetanka Varimezova

as Self

Crew

Writer
  • Timothy Rice

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Thematic Analysis

May It Fill Your Soul represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of May It Fill Your Soul took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 57 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 93 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 158 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While May It Fill Your Soul shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Voevoda, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, May It Fill Your Soul subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Resistance and Lotfi: Four Seasons explore similar territory, May It Fill Your Soul stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 2016
  • Runtime: 57m

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