The Multiplication Table 2007
Elena Demidova's poignant short documentary "The Multiplication Table" (2007) transports viewers to the rugged steppes, where the vast landscapes mirror the innocence and struggles of two young children navigating life in a remote village.
Director: Elena Demidova
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Multiplication Table (2007) about?
This short documentary follows two young children in a remote village, where their daily lives are shaped by the challenges of living miles from school and relying on unconventional transport like horses. Their playful rivalry and eventual reconciliation unfold as they embark on a journey that reflects their curiosity about the world around them.
Who directed The Multiplication Table?
The film was directed by Elena Demidova, whose sensitive portrayal of rural life brings warmth and authenticity to this brief but memorable snapshot of childhood.
Who stars in The Multiplication Table?
The documentary features young Matvey Koziakov and Elena Kovalenko as the two central children, whose natural performances anchor the film's emotional depth.
Is The Multiplication Table (2007) worth watching?
While short, "The Multiplication Table" offers a unique and heartfelt look at rural childhood that resonates with themes of resilience and curiosity. Though it's unrated on IMDb, its gentle storytelling and visual poetry make it a compelling watch for fans of intimate documentaries.
How long is The Multiplication Table?
The Multiplication Table (2007) runs for 17 minutes.
About The Multiplication Table (2007): A Glimpse of Rural Childhood in 17 Minutes
Elena Demidova's poignant short documentary "The Multiplication Table" (2007) transports viewers to the rugged steppes, where the vast landscapes mirror the innocence and struggles of two young children navigating life in a remote village. At just eight and nine years old, the girl and boy face the realities of rural existence—schooling miles away, scarce transportation, and the dreams of their parents, like the boy's father's ambition to build a snowmobile. Their daily lives unfold with a simplicity that belies the deeper themes of resilience, curiosity, and the universal quest for knowledge, embodied in the humble multiplication table.
The film captures a fleeting moment of childhood, where quarrels and reconciliations unfold like small adventures. The children's journey, sparked by the simplest of reasons—like memorizing the multiplication table—becomes a metaphor for their broader journey toward understanding the world. Demidova's lens paints a tender portrait of rural life, where the stark beauty of the steppes contrasts with the warmth of human connections and the unspoken bonds between the children and their families.