Past screening

A Lesson of Belarusian

Directed by: Miroslaw Dembinski
Runtime: 0hr 51min Year: 2006
Watch trailer

Details

Directed by: Miroslaw Dembinski
Runtime: 0hr 51min Year: 2006
Country: Poland
Last Screened: Sat 24th Mar 2007

A Lesson of Belarusian follows the story of Franek Viacorka studying at an elite school to promote the Belarusian language. The school was banned in 2003, a victim of the anti – democratic rule of President Alexander Lukashenka.

A Lesson of Belarusian follows the story of Franek Viacorka studying at an elite school to promote the Belarusian language. The school was banned in 2003, a victim of the anti – democratic rule of President Alexander Lukashenka.Franek and his classmates are both passionate and thoughtful, expressing their critical attitude to the government by issuing an underground newspaper, recording music with activist lyrics, and organizing an opposition concert. Despite the imprisonment of Franek’s father and the constant threat of their own arrest, they are undeterred.In the March 2006 presidential election, they support the democratic opposition candidate in a mass demonstration in Minsk’s main square. While the candidate is powerless to combat Lukashenka’s corruption and use of riot police, Franek and his classmates realize that fearlessness is a victory in itself. As part of the HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH 11TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL