Watch Braguino

Braguino is a slow, contemplative documentary film directed by Clément Cogitore. The film explores the lives of two families living in the deep forests of Siberia on the Braguine river. The Braginsky family and the Kiline family have been living in this region, in close proximity to each other, for generations. However, the two families have a long-standing conflict over their land and resources, which threatens to escalate.

Cogitore's film opens with a stunning visual sequence of the Siberian wilderness. We see the vast, pristine forests surrounding the river, and hear the sounds of animals and birds that inhabit it. The film then introduces us to the Braginsky family, a group of people who have lived in the region for generations. The family lives on the bank of the river, in a small wooden hut, and the landscape around them is their main source of livelihood. They hunt and fish in the river, collect berries and mushrooms, and live a simple, self-sufficient life.

However, the peace and tranquility of the Braginsky family is disrupted by the arrival of the Kiline family, who also live on the bank of the river, a few kilometers away. The Kiline's have a much larger family group, and they too rely on the forest for their livelihood. The two families have had a long-standing conflict over their land and resources. The Kiline's, who have a much larger group, have been encroaching upon the Braginsky's territory, and the two families often confront each other over issues like hunting rights and fishing spots.

The film portrays the two families in stark contrast to each other. The Braginsky's are portrayed as stoic, philosophical, and deeply connected to the natural world around them. They are shown discussing their dreams, philosophizing about existence, and conducting rituals, in between their daily work. The Kiline's, on the other hand, are portrayed as a chaotic and rowdy bunch, with a larger number of children, drinking frequently, and getting into fights. The film shows how the two families see each other as the outsiders and aliens, and how their mutual suspicion and animosity continue to grow.

The documentary is shot with a restrained and observational style, with long takes and a contemplative pace. Scenes of nature, animals, and the forest are given as much importance as the human characters, and the film presents a holistic view of the people and the place. One of the most striking aspects of the film is the sound design, which captures the vivid and intense sounds of the forest, and immerses the audience in the world of the Braguine river.

Braguino is a film about human beings living on the fringes of civilization, and their struggle for survival and coexistence. It raises questions about the nature of human society, and the role of violence and aggression in human history. The film is a poetic and haunting portrayal of a disappearing way of life, and a meditation on the beauty and harshness of the natural world.

In conclusion, Braguino is a mesmerizing documentary that immerses the viewer in the world of two families living in the Siberian wilderness. The film explores themes of conflict, survival, and coexistence, and presents a stark contrast between the two families caught in a web of animosity and mistrust. The film's observational style, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design create a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.