A powerful documentary, 'Not Made for Politics', sheds light on the remarkable female resistance movement in Belarus, a country under the grip of patriarchal tyranny. This film, directed by Volia Chajkouskaya, a Belarusian filmmaker now based in Estonia, offers a unique perspective on the 2020 uprising and its aftermath.
Chajkouskaya, who emigrated to Estonia in 2018, will showcase her work at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, a prestigious event in its 29th edition. The film follows the journeys of three extraordinary women who became central figures in the fight against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as 'Europe's last dictator'.
Lukashenko has held the presidency of Belarus since 1994, and his rule has been marked by a lack of free and fair elections, with international monitors consistently deeming the electoral processes flawed. The 2020 election, which Lukashenko won despite allegations of vote-rigging, sparked the largest anti-government protests during his tenure.
"As women lead Belarus' fight for freedom, a filmmaker in exile confronts fear and finds her voice." This synopsis captures the essence of the documentary, as Chajkouskaya, unable to return home, becomes an observer and participant, organizing solidarity actions in Tallinn and ultimately becoming a subject of her own film.
Chajkouskaya explains her motivation for making the film: "When the protests began in 2020, I was in Tallinn, but I was actively supporting the cause. I was hopeful initially, with strong candidates for the presidency, but then almost all major male candidates were silenced. It was inspiring to see Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, one of my main characters, step up and continue her husband's campaign. More women joined, and it became a powerful, artistic movement."
The film also explores the 'ordinary' women who organized female marches after the election, protecting men from police brutality and expressing their protest. Chajkouskaya notes that the regime's response, arresting and torturing women, only added to the symbolism and strength of the movement.
"For me, it was about highlighting female resistance against patriarchal tyranny. Belarus may appear progressive in terms of women's rights on paper, but do women truly have power? I wanted to challenge this notion and show how women, particularly the wives of political prisoners, stood up to protect their husbands, challenging the myth of female weakness."
The title, 'Not Made for Politics', reflects Chajkouskaya's personal journey and the struggle against the expectation of women's silence. She describes the process as extremely empowering, both politically and personally. "Spending time with my characters was a support system. I wanted to express solidarity and help in any way I could. That's why I'm also a character in the film - to share the burden and responsibility, to show that I'm equal with them, not looking down from above."
Chajkouskaya has lived in Estonia for almost eight years and is thrilled to premiere her film at the Tallinn festival. "It's an A-class festival that provides great exposure. I'm honored to be part of the program with other amazing authors."
As for the future of Belarus, Chajkouskaya believes in the power of hope. "Democracies are in danger worldwide, and we must protect them. We need to be proactive but loving, to bring people back to equality and democracy. Dictatorships are toxic and will inevitably collapse, but we must keep hoping and stay awake, whether inside or outside Belarus."
'Not Made for Politics' is a testament to the resilience and strength of women in the face of tyranny, and a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and solidarity.
