Sander Francken wants to tell big stories with Bardsongs, and he’s gone to the source to do it. Francken delves into three parables, each deconstructing a different aspect of everyday life. There’s a tale about a poor plastic collector in India, learning to deal with fate; the story of a young African boy, looking to discover knowledge’s ultimate root; and there’s an old Himalayan man’s narrative, as he tries to sell his livestock to buy a cell phone. Francken casts local actors familiar with each tale, and has local musicians sing the narration. The effect is powerful, though the Greek-chorus effect can be a bit much. (The singers comment on every single action, without exception.) Ultimately that’s excusable—these aren’t the most nuanced stories, anyway. But they make their points, and the film leaves you a little more in touch with life’s big quandaries—even if the singing stays stuck in your head.

At 6:30 p.m.; also on Sunday, April 10 at 7 p.m. Both showings at E Street Cinema.