By Oleksandr Stoianov, 20’, 2023

An experimental documentary courtroom drama about human rights violations in Soviet Ukraine and contemporary Russia, constructed from archival material.

Author’s note:

In some of his projects, Heimrad Backer used texts from Nazi propaganda in a way that made their meaning self-evident, as if the texts themselves were commenting on their own content. In the same spirit, I use excerpts from a Soviet newspaper.

I have given certain parts of the film the title “scenes” to emphasise the theatricality, absurdity, and cruelty of the trial, as well as of the propaganda images.

For me, archives are not only traces of the past, but also part of the present. Through historical materials, I try to reflect on the complexities of the contemporary world. It is very difficult for an artist to change political reality, but I believe in the power of culture. By creating projects around subjects that concern me, I try to draw the public’s attention to these issues and encourage reflection.