Father (2019)

Directed by: Isabel Lamberti | 24 minutes | short film, documentary

‘Vader’ is a sensitive, short documentary about a father who hasn’t seen his teenage son for almost six years. Father Jacinto takes his son Shakur (meaning “grateful”) on a short road trip to the coast. In an effort to mend old ties, the two move closer together step by step.

The setting of ‘Vader’ is gray and faded and is reminiscent of the Belgian coast, which often consists of desolate concrete. Father and son are anything but sentimental and as a viewer you wonder what happened and whether they are not going around the hot mess. Little by little you begin to understand the relationship between the two more. They don’t seem to be the greatest talkers, but in their own language they seem to say a lot to each other. With whom Jacinto can talk is his girlfriend, who is sometimes literally there on image. While calling, Jacinto reflects on his past and how he can restore the relationship with his son.

Director Isabel Lamberti pays great attention to details. She knows how to turn something big into something small, so that the little thing gets more value. ‘Vader’ is an intimate and moving documentary. Both the cinematography and the edit are daring making the film playful, but not losing your focus. ‘Father’ is what a short film should be. You get enough background information in all its subtlety, but nothing is completely unraveled. Room is left for your own perspective and opinion.