Weightless

  • 73'
  • Netherlands
  • 2023

In Weightless, we join self-taught ethnographer Khrystyna Bunii on her journey through south-western Ukraine, where she documents the culture of the Hutsuls. With oppression threatening their culture and history, their very identity is at stake. Theirs is a vulnerable life, like memories usually borne in silence.

Bunii travels from one village to the next, to talk with the local residents, at times developing a special relationship. She digitises family photographs to retain what would otherwise be lost. Recounting their tales makes the past tangible again for the locals. The often tragic memories form the starting point for poignant and intimate conversations. By reflecting on culture and identity, it becomes strikingly clear how important it is to preserve them – especially in light of what’s coming.

Marta Hryniuk and Nick Thomas are visual artists, filmmakers and cultural organisers based in Rotterdam, where they established the film collective WET film. They are also part of the Filmwerkplaats, an artist-run film studio specialising in 16mm film.

 

Christiaan Boesenach

  • 73'
  • Netherlands
  • 2023
Directors
Marta Hryniuk, Nick Thomas
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Netherlands
Year
2023
Festival Edition
IFFR 2023
Length
73'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Невагома
Languages
Ukrainian, English
Producers
Marta Hryniuk, Nick Thomas
Sales
Marta Hryniuk
Cinematography
Marta Hryniuk
Editor
Diana Toucedo
Sound Design
Nick Thomas
Cast
Khrystyna Bunii
Directors
Marta Hryniuk, Nick Thomas
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Netherlands
Year
2023
Festival Edition
IFFR 2023
Length
73'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Невагома
Languages
Ukrainian, English
Producers
Marta Hryniuk, Nick Thomas
Sales
Marta Hryniuk
Cinematography
Marta Hryniuk
Editor
Diana Toucedo
Sound Design
Nick Thomas
Cast
Khrystyna Bunii

Programme IFFR 2023

RTM

IFFR puts the spotlight firmly on films and makers from our city on the River Maas. The selection was made by this year's RTM curators: Cheryl Ashruf, Noemi Biro and Nizar el Manouzi. Discover a programme chock-full of short and longer films, documentaries, talks, music and performances. RTM revolves around talented artists and stories from 010 with an impact far beyond, revealing the riches of Rotterdam in all its glory.

Read more about this programme