Director's statement

I cannot deny that we started out filming with the intention to demonstrate how much these children suffer from their harsh environment and economic injustice. The original idea seemed to be ridiculous and even shameful when we actually began shooting. In contrast to what most people would assume, these children were happy and content, without the slightest resentment. So, we adjusted our attitudes and turned our camera to observe their everyday life, documenting their seemingly ordinary but happy, innocent life – something we want to convey to the audience as much as we could. During the filming process, we become friends with these children. It was easy to befriend them as long as you have something to attract them with. Their natural curiosity towards cameras and boom microphones enabled us to bond with them quickly. Because of the bonding, they let go in front of cameras quickly and lowered their guards, showing us generously who they were. And then the shooting became much easier. Yet, adults certainly have some influence on the children’s world. The most intriguing thing in the film is the game the children play imitating their fathers dealing with the logging trade. Not all this trading is done by the book. Children are not aware of their fathers’ illegal dealings. They simply act it out fully in their made-up games as events they observe daily.