Belsat's film was awarded in Italy. The jurors and prisoners appreciated the "Holy Water" by Andrei Kutsila

The documentary film “Holy Water,” directed by Andrei Kutsila, received two awards at the PerSo festival in Perugia, Italy. The film is part of the Belsat TV series ‘Without Retouching.’

During PerSo – Perugia Social Film Festival – films are judged by filmmakers and inmates of the local prison, for whom a film review is organized.

The professional jury has announced the primary prize winner in the short film category. The prize goes to Andrei Kutsila, a Belarusian director, for his film “Holy Water.” The film was highly praised for its ability to depict the vulnerability of men and women in the face of the weight of history. It explores the context between ancient rituals and modern fears, creating a thought-provoking piece of art.

– I was pleasantly surprised – admitted the author. – It’s a small festival but hard to get into. Despite being recorded as a reportage for Belsat, the film became a short and experimental piece. 

“Holy Water” also received  a special award from a non-professional jury composed of inmates from the prison in Perugia.

– Prisoners even have the right to watch festival films here! However, it is disheartening to think that the current situation in Belarusian prisons does not allow such an event where people can watch and discuss foreign films, vote for their favorites, and award prizes, as the director emphasized in a comment for Belsat.

During the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated by Orthodox believers on January 19, Andrei Kutsila filmed his short movie in Kyiv.— less than a week before Russia invaded Ukraine.

– The movie depicts a time when the war was about to start, but people were still in disbelief. We are witnessing men who are fighting on the front lines today or have already passed away. We also see women observing them, and they may sense the possibility of war since the suspicion is in the air. This movie is about the anticipation of war, hope, and the delicate nature of life, explains the director.

“Holy Water” is a part of Belsat TV’s “Without Retouching” documentary series. It has become a valuable resource for young filmmakers.

Andrei Kutsila is the award-winning director of films including “When Flowers Are Not Silent,” “I Need Your Hundshakes,” “Strip and War,” “Summa,” and “King of the Mountain.”

pj/belsat.eu

Translated by PEV