HNIFF 2023
Against Time
Directed by Alexandra Maria Manda · Romania · 11 min · short · narrative
They are called "Mountain Heroes" the real contemporary super heroes, but few of us know the challenges behind the job of a mountain rescuer and the feeling of fear that you will not return home. The film explores the story of friendship and love between rescuers and their avalanche dogs. The film begins with the introduction of Salvamont Argeș and presents the story of Romania's first avalanche dog, Helios, who is endowed with excellent skills in finding missing persons and avoiding the dangers of nature together with his and Dara's daughter, Loca. We also witness a rescue mission with Dara, the second mountain rescue dog, highlighting the obstacles the team are facing daily. The film emphasizes the importance of the relationship between dogs and rescuers and their courage and difficulties by depicting the story of Dara, who died and appears on the emblem of the Romanian Avalanche Dogs. Being my first film in the first year of college on the road to become a filmmaker, my attempts brought me very close to the mountain rescuers, seeing them as contemporary super heroes. Their work represents a real adventure that turns out to be an example for many of us.
This film's screening window has ended.
From the director
I want this project to be seen by as many people as possible, because the work of the mountain rescuers and their dogs is a real adventure that turns out to be an example for many of us.I consider the mountain rescuers the real contemporany superheroes because they are risking their lives every day with their avalanche dogs to save people from avalanche,to find lost people on mountains,forests & avalanches ,or people who are injured.I got attached by this project where I met brave men.Even if they are smiling and trying to assure me that they are used to their hard work and it s not a big deal,I have a huge respect for them.
Our best option is us.Life begins when the fear is over but sometimes failure is the key to success, it depends on how you approach the situation.I want to go to the place I'm afraid to follow because I know that place is exactly what I'm looking for.Even if talent represents 1% and 99% work, without passion, ambition and motivation you cannot create something to inspire the public.The noblest art is to make people smile and to make your message heard by others.I hope I made my message and intentions heard with the short film "Against Time".
