Antipode Acquires Tallinn Competition Anti-War Film ‘Deaf Lovers,’ Pulled From Fest’s Ukrainian Section (EXCLUSIVE)

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As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for films that challenge societal norms and tackle complex political issues, I am captivated by Boris Guts’ “Deaf Lovers.” The film’s unique narrative, set against the backdrop of a city as rich and diverse as Istanbul, resonates deeply with my love for cinema that transcends cultural boundaries.

The romantic drama “Deaf Lovers,” set in Istanbul and written by Boris Guts, has been picked up by Antipode Sales & Distribution for worldwide distribution.

This year at the Tallinn Black Nights film festival, “Deaf Lovers” has made a significant impact and gained even more notice when the Ukrainian State Film Agency requested that the festival remove the film from its lineup. However, Tallinn opted not to completely withdraw the movie from the competition, only from its “Standing with Ukraine” program.

The narrative of ‘Deaf Lovers’ unfolds around a Ukrainian woman and a Russian man who chance upon each other in Istanbul during a money-strapped holiday romance. As their hearing impairment suggests, they are both deaf individuals. Their shared concern is the uncertain future that looms ahead for them once they return home.

Guts expresses that he intended to craft a movie that illustrates how wars erode our human qualities, with the most significant loss being love. He explains that during conflicts, people lose their ability to listen and comprehend one another. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a heartbreaking event, and cinema should continuously highlight its devastating impact. The motivation behind making this film stemmed from the war itself, his decision to leave, which was a matter of principle, and his unwillingness to reside in an aggressor nation. Furthermore, he had been warned by authorities that expressing an anti-war stance could lead to persecution and arrest.

Portraying the characters as deaf in the movie not just adds an unusual interaction among the main characters, but it also symbolizes the situation where my two ‘homelands’ – with my grandmother being Ukrainian – are no longer able to ‘understand’ or communicate with each other.

Based on reports from Antipode’s sales team, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the work of independent filmmaker Boris Guts for quite some time. His unending quest, coupled with his audacity to venture into various genres, from romantic comedies to political thrillers, truly captivates us. Remarkably, this director demonstrates a knack for crafting compelling narratives even with limited resources – two of his five films were filmed using only smartphones and iPhones!

In every one of his films, Guts delves into the query: can being young be effortless? He tackles deep existential topics such as the sorrow of losing cherished ones, the fight against oppressive powers, and the harsh truths of warfare. Amidst the turmoil of conflict, where individuals strive to ‘lead their own lives,’ the director elicits genuine emotion from ordinary moments and effectively communicates a touching anti-war sentiment, as expressed by the company.

Instead of replying specifically to Tallinn’s decision to take down “Deaf Lovers” from the Stand With Ukraine section, Antipode chose a different approach, but it’s important to note that they have consistently made their position on the conflict clear, aligning with that of Guts.

As a cinephile, I’ve come to realize that Ukraine stands as the victim amidst Russia’s invasion, while Russia takes on the role of the aggressor. This division is crucial in terms of morality, a fact we hold firm to. However, life continues unabated, its ceaseless movement giving birth to countless complexities and meanings – meanings that cinema endeavors to encapsulate.

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2024-11-18 11:17