Wild Bees (Divoke Vcely) d. BodhanSIEma, of the Czech Republic, 94 minds. In Czech w/English subtitles.

Wild Bees is best described as a soap opera set in rural northern Moravia. The film comes to life as you follow the various characters going about their normal, everyday existence. It only proves interesting because most of us have not experienced this way of living.

But characters in the film have the same emotions, prejudices and methods of handling relationships as most of us are accustomed to - or least accustomed to seeing.

There is a woman with children whose husband cannot stop gambling, a town whore and daughter - Bodhka - who looks likely to follow in her footsteps, a teenaged boy infatuated with Bodhka, his grandmother who is concerned he's not sexually active but who won't even be in the same car as Bodhka and Bodhka's actual boyfriend - Ladya - who is a Michael Jackson impersonator.

There's a return of a prodigal son and a city man who is fascinated with country life. A burly womanising man and a father concerned that his sons are not seeking spiritual enlightenment.

This film is simply a slice of Czech Republic life, definitely nothing more. But then that alone will be enough for many (in fact viewers should be able to walk away with a few Czech words added to their vocabulary). Judging it as a soap opera it is superbly done in much the same way as the BBC's 'Eastenders' in Britain is.

In 'Wild Bees' the characters, while clearly defined and moderately interesting, do not grow by the end of the film, a feat which should happen if a film is to be called such. Having said that, there is perhaps one exception, Ladya (the Michael Jackson impersonator) who in the beginning is carefree and self consumed, is more sensitive to the feelings of others by the film's end.

Shot beautifully and edited well, this is a film that won't leave you fidgeting in your seat for a minute. An unusual music score, with lots of plucking and little abrupt snatches of sound add to the film's interest and give it texture and complexity. I noted with interest that none of Michael Jackson's actual music was used - and give the director a thumbs up for finding a way of not having to pay royalties.

If you enjoy a soap opera with more depth than the average, you'll love 'Wild Bees'.

Remote Control d Ivan Zivkovic, USA 24 minds Serbo-Croatian w/English subtitles.

Designed to make you gasp, this short triggers you to ponder how war can change your value of life. The film is about three soldiers who stumble on a big-screen TV in the remains of a village ravaged by war. I left wondering if Toshiba contributed to funding of the film.