Belarus-Born Director Darya Zhuk Preps Dystopian Science Fiction Drama ‘Exactly What It Seems’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of global cinema, I am always eager to discover new voices and perspectives that challenge and enlighten me. The upcoming film “Exactly What It Seems” by Belarus-born director Darya Zhuk promises just that. With its dark science fiction satire of contemporary authoritarianism, this film seems like a compelling exploration of the harsh realities faced by political refugees, set against the backdrop of Belarus’ tumultuous political climate.

Born in Belarus, filmmaker Darya Zhuk is set to release her second feature film titled “Exactly What It Seems” after the success of “Crystal Swan”. This upcoming production is a chilling sci-fi satire that critiques modern authoritarianism.

The movie, co-produced by Volia Chajkouskaya and Ivo Felt from Allfilm (Estonia) along with Violetta Krechetova, is adapted from an original short story penned by Tatsiana Zamirovskaya, who will also contribute to the screenplay. This film will be shot in Belarusian, English, and Russian.

Film studio Allfilm, established alongside Felt, has played a role in the production of films such as “Tangerines,” which was nominated for an Oscar, and “The Fencer,” directed by Klaus Häro and nominated for a Golden Globe.

In “Exactly What It Seems,” I, as a movie buff, find myself immersed in the story of Nadia and Fedor, a married pair who’ve fled their home in Belarus for political asylum in the US. However, thanks to some enigmatic quantum technology under the control of the oppressive regime back home, they get inexplicably transported back to the woods of Belarus. Now, on the run and considered outlaws, they must navigate their strained relationship to not only survive but also find a way back to the safety they left behind.

The film isn’t filled with special effects, but it presents a relatable version of our world, set in the backdrop of assuming that a certain technology is available. This technology allows anyone longing for Belarus to be transported instantly. It appears that this transportation system only goes one way, as the server stores memories related to Belarus, not allowing return trips.

As a movie lover putting words into the perspective of the characters I’m creating, let me say this: For my on-screen heroes, this technology brings nightmares to life. Their activism for political change has made them fugitives in their homeland, and thus, it is too perilous for them to return.

Working alongside Tatyana Zamirovskaya, I found myself drawn to the idea of employing genre as a means to tackle challenging themes that might prove difficult to confront within the realm of a more conventional dramatic narrative.

“Zhuk stated that satire and science fiction offer an ideal perspective from today’s authoritarian rule and the emotional aftermath of Belarus’ unsuccessful revolution in 2020. He is also eager to share this narrative with a broader audience, many of whom may be unfamiliar with recent events,” (paraphrased).

2018’s drama “Crystal Swan” by Zhuk, which follows a young DJ from the 90s pursuing her American Dream, was chosen to represent Belarus in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars. This marked the country’s first submission in 22 years.

“It opened a lot of doors,” she recalled.

After that point, she has been involved in writing and directing for streaming platforms such as Apple TV+, FX/Hulu, Netflix (the detective series “Zato”), and Amazon Europe (“Russian Affairs”). Some of these projects, like her work on Apple’s “Little America”, are based on personal experiences.

“During the creation of ‘Crystal Swan,’ my team and I innovatively found a way to create a movie independently, without the aid of local film funding. For our current project, we aim to replicate this self-reliant approach on a grander scale and in a more challenging political environment.”

“Exactly What It Seems” will be “in conversation” with her previous work.

Zhuk expressed that his work delves into the complex ties he has with his native land and the flaws in the American Dream as perceived by newcomers. He is a filmmaker who honed his craft at both Harvard and Columbia Universities.

“The story is a science fiction drama set in a dystopian world, focusing on themes like toxic nostalgia and personal identity amidst a totalitarian rule. My character, Velya, from ‘Crystal Swan’, was similarly grappling with her identity – torn between her roots in Belarus and her desire for freedom in America. Now, there’s an increased emphasis on exploring the essence of one’s being and confronting deep-seated fears.”

Born in Belarus, currently residing in Estonia, the producer Volia Chajkouskaya has been chosen for this year’s Match Me! Initiative at Locarno. Additionally, she is working on a project titled “Mono,” which follows a woman’s journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding her losing half of her hearing during her teenage years.

“Chajkouskaya expressed her great enthusiasm about this project,” she said, noting that it focuses on her native land, Belarus, a place she hasn’t visited in five years. The themes it explores – totalitarian regimes, displacement, and identity – are relevant not just for the present moment, but also for a wider audience.”

“This team, composed of individuals I’ve known for a long time and highly skilled professionals whose work I truly appreciate, is simply extraordinary. I have confidence that we can secure the necessary resources quickly, enabling us to realize this project promptly.”

2024-08-12 11:17

Belarus-Born Director Darya Zhuk Preps Dystopian Science Fiction Drama ‘Exactly What It Seems’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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