A Picture With Yuki (Снимка с Юки)

I didn't know they still used those.

Polaroids?

I didn't either, until I met Yuki.

Turns out there's a whole community out there.

Professional photographers, who shoot only on Polaroid.

Why?

It's a bit strange…

This photographic community connects shooting Polaroid film

with Buddhism.

According to Buddha, life flows like a river.

A series of moments linked together,

giving the impression of a continuous stream.

Yuki and this community believe in the idea

of capturing the moment as one, singular event.

To remove it from the continuity of life's river

and preserve it, in a perfect unchangeable state.

They believe that only a Polaroid can capture the moment.

And in this way, that a singular moment in a person's life

starts to exist outside of time.

It becomes perfect,

because it can never be altered.

Did that make any sense?

I understand the woman has her reasons for shooting on Polaroid.

And when a woman has a reason for something,

I stop asking questions.

The most important thing right now is for your wife to be completely relaxed.

That's what I'm worried about.

If you don't cut it out, no computer for a week. Got it?

You don't need in vitro. I'll give you one of mine right now.

You were saying something, sorry.

The first two in vitro procedures not only failed,

but they ate up all our savings.

The health insurance doesn't cover them,

so we had to pay for everything ourselves.

And we're not very…

Well, we're okay for money…

But we started looking into other options.

What about Japan?

It's even worse there, her cousin checked.

That's why we chose Bulgaria.

Another reason was that you could finally meet.

Georgi, what exactly is your wife's problem?

At that age most women have trouble conceiving.

What did I say? Isn't it true?

Alright, let's not spoil the nice evening now…

Cheers to Georgi and our daughter-in-law,

who is visiting us for the first time.

How's work?

The school is great. And the kids are wonderful.

That's what I'm talking about, Zdravche.

A brilliant mathematician.

His professor offered to make him an assistant.

And what became of him? A teacher.

A small town teacher.

I don't even know where? Somewhere on the North Pole.

I honestly can't believe you're acting like this.

You haven't seen your son in five years.

You're meeting his wife for the first time.

What's the matter with you?

Is it my fault that I haven't seen him?

Is it my fault that he went to live on the other side of the world?

Why?

Did he ever miss something here?

Maybe it's my fault she can't get pregnant, too.

I'm sorry I ruined your plans for me, again… Mom.

At least she's not black.

You turned out real smart, didn't you, bro?

What do you mean?

Yuki, of course. She is so cool.

When I think of all the freaks who were after you

at uni, I can't believe it… Really.

And what's with those genes, man?

Next to her I look like my grandma and I'm probably

ten years younger, damn…

She's really something.

Hello.

We're leaving tomorrow.

What?

There's a week left until Yuki's next procedures.

They said she needs rest and it's obviously not gonna happen here.

I asked dad to give me the keys to grandpa's house.

Dad's going to let you leave?

After I threatened him with moving to a hotel otherwise.

She's gonna kill him.

I thought I was the only one scared of mom?

First, she'll kill him, then me,

and it'll be on your conscience.

Stop. Don't move.

What's going on here?

What are you doing here?

This is my grandparents' house.

American, is that you?

Wow. You look old.

Do I know you?

It's me, Geno, Grandpa Krum's son.

Good to see you.

Damn, I almost smashed your head in. You never know with those gypsies around.

Only the axe respects them. Nothing is safe with them around.

Is this the wife?

Yes, well, this is my wife.

-Good day. -Good day.

Chinese, eh?

No, she's Japanese.

Whatever.

Why not?

Maybe there'll be little Japanese kids running around our village, who knows?

There they are.

You tell your woman not to worry about the gypsies.

They ain't much trouble.

Well, they are.

The young people took off to the cities and only the gypsies are left here.

And some waffles, please.

Can we take a picture, please? A picture, please?

-I want one, too. -Can I have a picture, please?

A picture. A photo.

-Hey, don't move. Are you alright? -Yeah.

Did you hit your head hard?

Think so, but it doesn't hurt.

-Your arms? Anything broken? -No.

-What's your name? -Assencho.

Listen, Assencho, we'll drive you to the hospital to see a doctor.

-No, no, I don't want to. -Why not?

Wait, wait, look at me, look at me for a second.

-Are you sure you are alright? -Yes.

Let me help you.

We'll fix it up, put it in the trunk and we'll drive you home.

Least we can do, you hear?

I don't want to.

If dad finds out I was at the river, he'll beat me up.

Done.

-Assencho. -Bye.

Hey there, American.

Where's the wife? The whole village is talking about her.

She's outside. And I actually live in Canada.

Slept well, did ya?

Hey, let me tell you... They don't have air like this in America.

-Take it from me. -Definitely. Have a nice day.

This, please.

Six leva.

She's pretty, your wife.

Thanks.

-Have a nice day. -Bye.

Hey, American.

-Did you hear what happened? -No.

A kid died.

What kid?

A little boy. Gypsy.

There are only gipsy kids here… His father gave him a beating.

He used to be a boxer.

A real animal. Drinks, fights… But this time…

He beats his kids all the time,

but this time he gave it to him good.

What can you do? Life…

Are you the American?

Yes.

You take these pictures?

My wife…

And the pictures are ready right away, right?

Yes, we have a camera like that. What's this all about?

I'll explain.

My boy died last night.

We bury him tomorrow.

And I have no picture with him.

In ten years…

I didn't take one picture with him.

And now,

if you don't take our picture, no one will.

-But isn't he… -Dead.

I know.

I want a picture with the boy.

I'll wait outside.

What are you doing?

Everybody out.

Everybody out.

These are the people.

I'm sorry if he bothered you.

All he can think about is that picture.

As if it will fix anything.

It's not a problem, please.

My condolences and my wife's, of course.

Sit.

Later.

After the picture.

There's isn't any space here, we won't fit.

Wait outside.

There. Take the picture.

Once again, sorry for taking up so much of your time.

No need to apologize. You're doing your job.

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Thank you for understanding.

Sadly, being a detective,

I'm always facing a certain level of suspicion.

Thank you.

In my thirty years on the force, I never understood

why a man should be worried about the authorities

if he has nothing to hide.

What do you think?

I suppose that's true, yeah.

Unfortunately, around here, we work mostly with stupid people.

And they are getting more stupid.