For decades, when it came to cinema, Belarus remained a terra incognita. The failed revolution of 2020, prompted by a rigged presidential election, put Belarus on the global map, radically changing the perception of the country and its people. However, those events did not generate any global exposure for Belarusian cinema. Moreover, repressions launched by Alexander Lukashenko's authoritarian regime forced many filmmakers to emigrate or lay low inside Belarus, out of fear for their freedom and safety.

This program includes three short films, which are made by independent Belarusian filmmakers and reflect the sensibilities and concerns of contemporary Belarusians. The films' directors will present their works in-person.

The Cat
Director: Nata Korneyeva
After breaking up with her lover, broken and desperate Anna burns down the model of a house designed for the two of them, takes a blind, tortured cat into her home and tries to drown the pain of loss in a drug trip.

What's Inside Vasya's Head
Director: Viktor Krasovsky
Vasya, a man in his late 30s, has read a book by 19th century Russian author Nikolai Gogol and tried to decide what to do with his life. But it went all wrong…

The Star, Which Fell on Christmas Day
Director: Demyan Postnikov
This Christmas-themed film was shot in the streets of Minsk in December 2022 as part of a filmmaking contest.

The event will take place on February 18 at 13:00 at Marriott Café.