In the Rearview
In The Rearview
Documentary
Director: Scriptwriter: Maciek Harmela
Composer: Antoni Komasa Lazarkiewicz
Cinematography: Yura Dunay, Wawrzyniac Skoczylas, Marcin Sierakowski and Piotr Grawender
Pemplum Poland/435 FILMS Ukraine and Film Movement US
Rating: Not rated but could be PG 13
Running Length: 85 Minutes
English Subtitles
This film has been nominated for many major film awards including the Polish Academy Award, a world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and the DM International Documentary Film Festival. The film is now available through Film Movement.
Who would have thought that a documentary of which 90 percent takes place in the back of a van, would be so interesting. “Rearview” is a sensation in the movie field right now, and details people trying to leave the Ukraine when the war there began two years ago. They most likely will never be able to go home and may lose communication with their family and friends forever. All for freedom. And the word “freedom” takes on new meaning now, of fresh air and skies without falling bombs. Photography is excellent.
Director Maciek Hamala has a camera facing the back of a large white van. The vehicle accommodates 6-9 people at a time. There are discussions about other places to cross a border and how the prices change overnight from (American) $300 to $500 or more per person. What they carry with them, is what they are leaving with. Food brought along is shared. What is left behind is a memory, not to be forgotten. As the film progresses, we meet people with various occupations or medical conditions. They are either fleeing the Ukraine for work elsewhere or seeking medical help that is unavailable in a small community. There can be a pregnant mother or someone with a heart condition. It can be daylight or night, and still the van goes back and forth. Children are not a problem, as this is a frightening situation for them. One little girl was in a room that was next to a bombed area. She doesn’t speak anymore. Pets come along, dogs or cats, and they, also sense the urgency of this trek and are not a problem. Safety is just around the corner and through the next road block. The van meets active tanks and disabled tanks. One little girl was traveling alone with only a piece of paper to show where she was going. Her brave eyes said it all.
There have been films of people crossing a border to get away from war. They climb mountains, use boats, swim or fly in after dark in small plans. However, to have a camera showing facial expressions and comments from frightened people, is new. The audience feels as though they are just behind that camera and could reach out and shake someone’s hand. Stories of young men who left the Ukraine, were captured by Russian troops, handed a rifle and suddenly they were told to fire at their own countrymen. Such is war.
The music by Antoni Komasa Lazarkiewicz goes through the van as softly as a whisper, yet makes the entire situation come alive. The original song, “Wings” is sung by a Ukrainian Choir and based on a poem by Lina Kostenko, a Ukraine poet. Even in the midst of war, there can be beauty to soothe.
“In The Rearview” is a new way of presenting evacuation under pressure. People are calm, and ready for a new life away from war. They look at the camera, unafraid. What is valuable to them, comes along on the new journey whether it be photos for memory, or a pet, each one is a special treasure.
Four Tocks
Copyright 2024 Marie Asner
