Children’s Game #39: Parol (2023)

Children’s Game #39: Parol (2023) poster

First we drive past harrowing scenes of missile and bullet damage, into an area that’s still intact. At a crossroads not far from the frontline, three boys in fatigues, with wooden guns, act out a grown-up duty: to uncover Russian spies. The drivers, both soldiers and civilians, are cheered by the children’s playful solidarity. Cars are flagged down, IDs requested, trunks inspected. A password is demanded: “Palyanitsya”, the name of a traditional Ukrainian bread, and a word that Russians can’t pronounce right. As it happens, bread also is the universal symbol of life.

Director: Francis Alÿs
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 8 min
Release Date:
Editing: Julien Devaux
Country: Ukraine
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Francis Alÿs
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Children’s Game #39: Parol about?
First we drive past harrowing scenes of missile and bullet damage, into an area that’s still intact. At a crossroads not far from the frontline, three boys in fatigues, with wooden guns, act out a grown-up duty: to uncover Russian spies. The drivers, both soldiers and civilians, are cheered by the children’s playful solidarity. Cars are flagged down, IDs requested, trunks inspected. A password is demanded: “Palyanitsya”, the name of a traditional Ukrainian bread, and a word that Russians can’t pronounce right. As it happens, bread also is the universal symbol of life.
Who directed Children’s Game #39: Parol?
Children’s Game #39: Parol was directed by Francis Alÿs.
How long is Children’s Game #39: Parol?
Children’s Game #39: Parol has a runtime of 8m (8 minutes).
What genre is Children’s Game #39: Parol?
Children’s Game #39: Parol is a Documentary film.
Where was Children’s Game #39: Parol produced?
Children’s Game #39: Parol was produced in Ukraine.