ANDREI KUTSILA'S “LETTERS FROM THE SILENCED COUNTRY” WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE AT THE 83RD VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
“Letters from the Silenced Country”, a documentary directed by Andrei Kutsila, has been selected for the Open out-of-competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which will take place 2–12 September 2026.
"Letters from the Silenced Country” portrays contemporary Belarus through the lives of five individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by state violence and political repression. Built around personal letters written from prison, exile and underground life, the film tells stories of protest, imprisonment, escape and moral resistance, while asking how much one must sacrifice in the struggle for a nation's freedom.
Its protagonists include political prisoners, people forced to leave their homeland and their loved ones. Together, their stories form a moving portrait of everyday life shaped by persecution, separation and the constant effort to preserve dignity under an authoritarian regime.
Blending observational documentary, archival footage, found materials, personal correspondence and animation based on drawings created in confinement, “Letters from the Silenced Country” constructs a layered narrative that restores a voice to those the regime sought to silence. It is a testament not only to suffering, but also to solidarity, love and the determination to remain human in the face of oppression.
The selection of “Letters from the Silenced Country” for one of the world's most prestigious film festivals marks another important international recognition for a film that explores contemporary Belarus through the deeply personal experiences of its citizens.
The film was co-financed by the Polish Film Institute.