Nature is not wild enough to hide in from the world forever

With Friday’s One World programme, you can also set out into nature. Silent Flood by director Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk captivates at first sight with its imagery the film’s cinematography was even awarded at the prestigious IDFA festival. The story of the Dniester River valley in western Ukraine, which has been swept not only by many floods but also by two world wars, hides more than just beautiful scenery. Living in close connection with nature is a community whose life revolves around religious rituals and caring for their farms. They avoid the achievements of modern civilization and wish to live a peaceful life. But they are not granted this peace, Russia’s invasion reaches even their remote corner of Europe. The residents are faced with the question of how much they are willing to break their principles and become involved in the events of the wider world before decisions are made for them.

Another visually captivating film is the North Macedonian The Tale of Silyan, in which director Tamara Kotevska takes us to the untamed plains of the Balkan country, where the farmer Nikola finds an injured stork named Siljan. North Macedonia is one of the largest nesting areas for this bird, but not everyone there finds what they need. The country is emptying out; young people are leaving, mainly for work in Germany, while those who remain are left only with memories and slowly fading folklore. Nikola therefore takes Siljan in and develops a bond with the wild bird that gradually grows into a deep friendship.

However, we do not have to search for nature only far beyond our borders. Resilience by Tomáš Elšík offers two parallel encounters with it right here in our own country. The conservationist Pavel strives to merge with the landscape he admires so passionately, proclaiming grand truths within it, while the practical Klára sets out on the trail of a local bird poisoner. Their paths never cross, but thanks to skillful filmmaking they tell a single story from different perspectives. With Pavel we can philosophize, mow meadows, and plant trees, while Klára takes us together with her two dogs on a detective investigation.