Landscapes of Resistance

Landscapes of Resistance

As one of the first female partisans in World-War-Two-era Serbia, Sonja helps fight the German occupation, before being captured and deported to Auschwitz, where she leads the resistance in the women's barracks. As the Red Army approaches, she manages to escape. Now, the former resistance fighter, having made it to advanced age, recounts her past, seated in her living room, while playing with her cat. As she does so, it becomes clear that one mustn't lose sight of the threat of fascism in today's Serbia either.

Director Marta Popivoda brings Sonja's memories to life with the help of landscape images. The former partisan's recollections are accompanied by close-up shots taken from the places that she frequented during her time as a resistance fighter. In this way, a wall, a meadow or the decaying barbed wire of Auschwitz testify to the stand she and others took. With a steady touch, Popivoda creates a cinematic monument full of dignity to an exceptionally brave lady, who has since passed away.

Source: Filmfestival goEast 2021