The Wind. A Documentary Thriller

An original documentary essay about the power of the “foehn wind” of the High Tatras known as Halny, which, aside from extensive material damage, also causes psychological problems among the local population. When Halny blows, it fells swathes of forest and tears the roofs from people’s homes, but what’s more, the suicide rate increases, depression proliferates and epileptic seizures are intensified. The struggle between man and nature is undoubtedly one of the film’s central themes, attempting to convey the battle between elements and emotions in a suggestive symphony that fuses documentary with thriller. The director depicts the atmospheric phenomenon and its impacts with portraits of several protagonists, whose actions and behaviour, like players in an orchestra, fall in line with the rhythm of Halny’s various phases. A fascinating look at mountain people who grapple with the raw elements while surrounded by nature’s majesty. (Art Film Fest)