Memory

Reflections on the wars in Chechnya through the unique perspective of childhood memories.

The house in Grozny, where director Vladlena Sandu spent much of her childhood, is the focal point of this deeply fascinating documentary about the brutality that emerged in the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union. The wars that raged in Chechnya in the 1990s are depicted through Sandu’s memories, which are brought to life in reconstructions using childhood artifacts.

The autobiographical film asks how war affects children and leaves obvious traumatic traces for life. This is an incredibly powerful documentary forged in a unique style. Sandu has an outstanding voice, managing to create a truly captivating experience.

Memory was the winner of the Documentaire Extraordinaire Award at BIFF last year.

After the screening on March 6, there will be a Q&A with the director Vladlena Sandu.