Dear Beautiful Beloved

Unlike the media images of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Juri Rechinsky’s powerful, deeply compassionate documentary DEAR BEAUTIFUL BELOVED takes viewers onto the sidelines of the war. While men fight at the front and women and children attempt to flee to other countries, the elderly and sick often stay behind or are evacuated to hospitals in conflict-free areas. Soldiers who die on the battlefield go the opposite way: their remains are returned to their homes and families. Focusing on the relocation of the elderly and the transport of fallen soldiers, the film highlights the tireless, conscientious and often dangerous work of those behind the scenes taking care of others. Sensitively interweaving different storylines, Rechinsky’s precise camerawork portrays displacement, separation and bereavement with restraint, keeping an appropriate distance from his characters to respect their pain and sorrow. Amid the chaos, he looks for signs of solidarity, affection, humour and resilience. Thoughtfully observing the intimacy that arises from human interactions—a glance, a word of comfort—he demonstrates that benevolence and humanity still exist, which is nothing short of miraculous in the midst of war. (Maria Giovanna Vagenas) 

In presence of Juri Rechinsky and Andrea Wagner (editor).

Juri Rechinsky: SICKFUCK-PEOPLE (2013), UGLY (2017), SIGNS OF WAR (2022)