The Archivists (2020) is a Canadian short film directed by Igor Drljaca. Set in a dystopian future where art from the past is considered decadent and is forbidden, the film follows musicians William (Noah Reid), Serena (Bahia Watson), and Samuel (Maxwell McCabe-Lokos). They discover a secret room in an abandoned home containing vinyl records and a vintage phonograph. Selecting one of the albums to play, they are inspired to perform one of the songs. While this may seem like far-fetched sci-fi, Drljaca’s Director’s statement reveals it’s a product of our times.
Director’s Statement:
Our society is at a crossroads, and The Archivists is a product of these uncertain times. I grew up in a country that no longer exists, Yugoslavia, and as a child, I witnessed how minor differences can be utilized to turn people against one another in the midst of a crisis. It was during this time, that the sharing of stories and music gave us all that little extra fuel to keep going.
Artistic creation is the ultimate expression of our interconnectedness, and that is what I sought to explore in this film. This is a story that celebrates the human capacity for love, empathy, and creation. In the dystopian world of The Archivists, artistic remnants of our world can still be found, and as long as there are those who seek them out – like the three musicians in The Archivists – they will help build a better world.
Awards:
TIFF – Canada’s Top 10 – 2020 Selection
Best Short Shot of Film Kodak Award – Holly Shorts, USA, 2021 –
Best Editing, Best Cinematography – Bucharest Shortcut Cinefest,