Oskolky

In the early months of 2022, Russian filmmaker Masha Chernaya began documenting life in a country veering into war with Ukraine as she was also learning of her mother’s cancer diagnosis; the result is an artifact of both personal and national significance. As the title suggests, the film—and the reality it depicts—is fragmented and shattered, with factions of disparate communities who must find their own methods to remain in their homeland. Young men fist fight in alleys, drunken civilians react to being drafted, masked performers stage secret raves, protestors gather, Chernaya’s partner learns Spanish in preparation to flee to Argentina. Yet what remains consistent is the irrepressible desire to sing, gather, vocalise as a collective, whether an underground rock band or mourners at a vigil—an emotional outlet and a reminder that independent voices are not alone. A sharp, jagged portrait of the self and Russian youth culture, OSKOLKY presents the impossible challenge of choosing between residing in one’s “native hell” and departing for “some unearthly paradise”. (Winnie Wang) 

Masha Chernaya (selection): KRIVOLUCHYE (2019), R2CC (2020), TO KILL WHAT LIVES INSIDE ME (2022, K), HERE’S TO THE ABSENT LADIES! (2023, K)