REFLECTION
Відблиск
Directed by Valentyn Vasyanovych
Ukraine | 126 min. | 2021 | drama | Ukranian
Ukrainian surgeon Serhiy is captured by the Russian military forces in the conflict zone in Eastern Ukraine and while in captivity, he is exposed to horrifying scenes of humiliation, violence and indifference towards human life. After his release, he returns to his comfortable middle-class apartment and tries to find a purpose in life by rebuilding his relationship with his daughter and ex-wife. He learns how to be a human being again, how to be a father and help his daughter, who needs his love and support.
Credits
Director: Valentyn Vasyanovych
Screenplay: Valentyn Vasyanovych
Cinematography: Valentyn Vasyanovych
Editing: Valentyn Vasyanovych
Production Design: Vladlen Odudenko
Sound Design: Serhiy Stepanskiy
Cast: Roman Lutskiy, Nika Myslytska, Nadia Levchenko, Andriy Rymaruk, Ihor Shulha
Production Company: Arsenal Films, ForeFilms
With support of: Ukrainian State Film Agency
Valentyn Vasyanovych
Festivals & Awards
- Venice IFF – Official Competition
- Karlovy Vary IFF – Horizons
- Melbourne IFF – International-European Section
- Busan IFF – World Cinema Section
- Hamburg Film Festival – Veto! Competition
press quotes
One of the most intellectually provocative and rewarding films in this year’s Venice Competition.
The images grip in their horrifyingly beautiful compositions.
There’s no doubt that Vasyanovych is a film-maker of uncompromising boldness and brilliance.
Remarkable work from a remarkable director.
There aren’t any simple solutions on this thought-provoking movie from Vasyanovych: one other darkish and disturbing watch with tiny glimmers of magnificence.
There is no doubt that Vasyanovych is a consummate aesthete, heir to the best of the old Soviet and now Ukrainian school, that each frame is composed with unquestionable rigour and class.
