INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE OF "DOMINO EFFECT"

The film "Domino Effect" by Elwira Niewiera and Piotr Rosołowski will have its international première in April - it will be shown at the festivals Hot Docs and Visions du Reel. We invite you to read the review of the film.

At the end of April, two important festivals begin almost simultaneously - namely, the Canadian Hot Docs and the Swiss Visions du Reel. The selectors of both festivals invited the film "Domino Effect" - directed by Elwira Niewiera  and Piotr Rosołowski, and produced by Otter Films and Zero One Film - to participate in the competitive section. It will be the international première of the film. Polish première will take place in May, at the 54th Krakow Film Festival, because the film qualified for the Polish competition and international documentary competition.

Before "Domino Effect" was made, it took part in several important industry events. The film was pitched in Prague, at the East European Forum and presented at Docs to go! within the frames of the 53rd Krakow Film Festival. The producers of "Domino Effect" were also the members of the Polish delegation at the Hot Docs Forum in 2013, where they were looking for international partners.

Daniel Stopa, from the editorial board of Polish Docs, writes about the film: "Domino Effect" (2014) brings reflection both about the fate of ordinary people, and about the history which involuntarily sweeps somewhere above their heads and leaves smaller or larger mark on their lives.

The protagonists of the film, Rafael and Natasha, try to live normal, peaceful life in Abkhazia, a country not recognised virtually by anyone, affected by constant conflicts and fully dependent on the caprices and influence of Russia. Natasha is a Russian and in addition to these problems, she must face dislike, unfriendliness and suspicion of other people. In Suchumi, she is a citizen of, at most, the second category, it is hard for her to get acquainted with anyone, she cannot find any job and does not have the same rights as others.

The character of Rafael is very interesting. For years, he spilled blood for his country, saw the deaths of his compatriots, fighting for independent and strong Abkhazia. What does he feel today, when he sees deserted, ruined streets, lack of prospects and all-encompassing apathy? Recently, my hope has diminished, he confesses at one point. But this hope re-awakes with the Domino World Cup in Suchumi. Rafael, who is the minister of sports, does all he can so that the event is of the highest quality, so that it can be the showpiece of Abkhazia. Can the World Cup change anything in the lives of the inhabitants? It is only a vain hope, isn't it? In this respect, the scene of the conversation of two elderly men in the news-stand is brilliant. They play domino all day long. One of them explains the popularity of this game in Abkhazia: Domino helped us after the war, calmed us down, soothed our nerves. The atmosphere was tense, there was no work, the borders were closed, there was nothing to do. Time was passing, we were playing, and finally we became professional players. These words complement another scene in a perfect way: a great plaque with the portraits of war heroes is covered by the advertisement of the Domino World Cup - Abkhazia 2011.

One event launches a chain of other events, and the fates of the protagonists are intertwined with the "great history." Do the protagonists have any impact on their own lives? In the final scene, Rafael prepares the house for the arrival of Natasha and their newborn child; he begins to build happiness and peace in his own yard.