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In Polnowat am Ob is this intriguing DEFA documentary that dives into the lives of the Khanty people in Siberia. The tone is observational, quite immersive, and feels like you're right there with them, experiencing their daily routines and cultural practices. The pacing is steady, allowing for moments of reflection, which adds depth to the visual storytelling. What stands out is the raw, unembellished approach to cinematography—natural lighting and minimal intervention convey a genuine representation of their world. It's not flashy or overly dramatized, just a clear lens into a culture often overlooked, making it a unique piece in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
This documentary is not the easiest to find. DEFA films often have a niche collector audience, and this one, given its specific cultural focus, sees varying interest based on the collector's taste for ethnographic cinema. It has seen a few re-releases on different formats over the years, but the original prints remain quite sought-after. If you're into documentaries that capture authentic lifestyles away from the mainstream, this one certainly holds a unique place in the collection.
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