As a cinema enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the stories of diverse cultures and backgrounds, I found “All Is Well” to be a profoundly moving and enlightening documentary. The Latasters’ ability to capture the daily lives of displaced individuals, particularly the elderly Ukrainian matriarchs, offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of their experiences, balancing the need for survival with the heartache of displacement.
At the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, where Peter Lataster and Petra Lataster-Czisch have made a name for themselves over the years (winning Best Dutch Film in 2014 and 2022), this year marked a significant milestone in their career: they introduced their new documentary “All Is Well” at the elegant Tuschinski cinema, sharing the event with around 70 Ukrainian refugees, some of whom are even featured in their film.
The film titled “All Is Well,” showcased for the first time at IDFA in the Signed section, opens with the unveiling of a refugee shelter for Ukrainians near Amsterdam’s outskirts. In this shelter, the filmmakers encounter three elderly matriarchs from Ukraine who have been displaced by war. Their lives are a blend of necessity to survive and rebuild amidst the turmoil, and the heavy sorrow that comes with being uprooted against their will.
Regarding the genesis of the documentary, Peter highlighted his concern about a prevailing right-wing perspective that portrays the Netherlands as incapable of providing refuge and instead should return refugees to their home countries. He also pointed out an alarming sentiment suggesting fatigue towards the conflict in Ukraine, which is absurd because it’s the Ukrainians who are experiencing the weariness of war. The aim was to present a realistic depiction of a refugee’s daily life in this country, showcasing both the highs and lows of being a displaced individual.
Petra explains that they selected elderly women, referred to as babushkas, for their subjects because they hold a significant position in Ukrainian society due to their roles in caring for grandchildren and running households. She expresses curiosity about how these women felt after being separated from their families and losing their societal roles.
The Latasters discovered about the shelter’s opening three months prior to its inauguration. They collaborated swiftly with local officials to secure all necessary permits for filming at the site, where they worked for nine months. “All Is Well” is not their first documentary portraying the experiences of refugees in their native land; 2016’s “Miss Kiet’s Children” delved into the daily lives of Syrian and Iraqi children attending a school in the Dutch village of Hapert.
Peter noted that it was very beneficial when Petra knew a bit of Russian,” he said, reflecting on the language issue. “Although we always had translators, Petra could engage in small talks, which fostered a sense of mutual comprehension and trust among us. The women were incredibly open, generous, and humorous.
In Petra’s words, “During our filming sessions with Syrian refugee kids, we frequently understood their conversations without needing to speak the same language. By closely observing people, one can gather a great deal of information.
Although the movie has several humorous scenes, the heavy burden of the women’s struggles is always palpable. This is especially evident in the character of Zoia, whose 30-year-old son perished in the war. Her sorrow manifests itself in deeply moving sobs that echo through the quietness of the shelter at dusk, her grief over her loss seeming almost unbearable. The Latasters conclude the film with a scene showing Zoia visiting her son’s grave, a journey that required negotiation.
Petra explains that Ukrainian women who’ve lost someone dear find it necessary to revisit their grave, as their longing is so profound it seems almost unbearable. When asked if we could accompany Zoia on this visit, she expressed fears of being overwhelmed by grief, warning us that her emotional state might be distressing to witness.
The Dutch pair spent four days in Ukraine, providing them with a deeper insight into the effects of the war. “You grasp the emotional need to return home and the impossible reality of doing so because home will never be the same,” says Peter. “Inside Zoia’s house, you truly feel the full impact of having to leave everything dear behind and yearning for it to still be there. This house serves as a reflection, showcasing what has been lost.
In addition to “All Is Well,” quotes from Geert Wilders, a Dutch far-right leader with largely exclusionary policies towards refugees and immigrants, are interspersed. Peter remarks, “Everything wrong in our societies is often being attributed to immigrants and refugees.” He adds, “This perspective is currently the dominant narrative of this right-wing administration, which we certainly don’t agree with.
We began creating the movie prior to the 2023 election, and one motivation for doing so was this increasing public disapproval towards refugees and immigrants,” he explains further. “It’s incredibly embarrassing when friends come here and question how such a situation could arise. Instead of addressing these issues, right-wing figures seem intent on exacerbating them. Consider the events that unfolded in the U.S.
Nevertheless, the filmmakers remain optimistic, mainly due to the heartwarming kindness and openness shown by their subjects. They both expressed how “unique” it felt to debut “All Is Well” at Amsterdam’s Tuschinski theater, with Peter emphasizing the significance of holding the premiere in a structure erected by a Jewish immigrant who perished during World War II.
He mentions that it’s delightful to consider inviting these Ukrainian women to this charming cinema, as they don’t usually go due to language barriers. This was something we truly desired, and the outcome was splendid. The cinema was full, and they received applause and hugs in return.
Petra remembers inviting them up on stage at the conclusion of the screening and witnessing how “thrilled” the women and their companions were. “This is thrilling for us as well because the only response to hate is love, to spread love. I’m not aware of any other solution.
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2024-11-21 12:17