Synopsis

The brutal military culture in Belarus is dividing the population. Young people flee the country, mothers fear for their sons and protesters are beaten in the streets.

Screenings

In 2020, Nikita must register for compulsory military service. At the same time, Svetlana travels around the country to collect stories reminiscent of hers; her son was found hanged at the military base he served at. She claims he died as a result of «dedovshchina», a military practice that uses violence and bullying to shape soldiers.

In «Motherland» you jump hard between raves in concrete gardens to civilians beaten to death with batons. With impressive camera control and close observations, you get an intense look at the state of a post-Soviet society.

About the director:
Alexander Mihalkovich is a Belarusian-Ukrainian director and producer. In 2018, he debuted with the documentary film «My Granny from Mars», which toured at several film festivals.

Hanna Badziaka is a journalist from Belarus, with good experience with video reports and later directing and scripting several short documentaries. «Motherland» is her feature film debut.

Gallery