Volia Chajkouskaya, a Belarusian filmmaker living in Estonia since 2018, presents her feature documentary Not Made for Politics at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) on Saturday. This film is part of the Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition program, showcasing the stories of women fighting against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko during the significant 2020 uprising.

The Context of the Documentary

Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as “Europe’s last dictator,” has been in power as the first and only president of Belarus since the office’s establishment in 1994. International monitors have categorized the elections in Belarus as neither free nor fair, with the notable exception of Lukashenko’s first election. Following claimed electoral fraud during the 2020 elections, the country witnessed its most extensive anti-government protests.

Film Synopsis and Themes

Not Made for Politics explores the evolving role of women in Belarus’s fight for freedom, particularly as they rallied behind opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who stepped in for her imprisoned husband to lead the campaign. Chajkouskaya’s documentary not only highlights these significant female figures but also reflects her personal journey as an expatriate filmmaker amidst political turmoil.

Chajkouskaya’s Perspective

In a recent interview, Chajkouskaya explained her motivations for the film. During the initial protests in 2020, while completing her studies in Tallinn, she became actively involved in efforts advocating for free and fair elections in Belarus. “I was very hopeful in the beginning, because out of the blue, there were many strong candidates for the presidency,” she shared, acknowledging the subsequent arrests of major candidates, which shifted the political landscape.

Chajkouskaya praised Tsikhanouskaya’s bravery in challenging the regime, empowering many women to join the cause. She remarked, “It became symbolic, powerful, even artistic!” The documentary underscores the pivotal role of women, particularly in organizing protests in the wake of violence inflicted upon demonstrators by the regime.

The Empowering Journey Behind the Camera

The process of creating Not Made for Politics has been transformative for Chajkouskaya. Engaging with her subjects offered her solidarity during her feelings of powerlessness as an expatriate. “I wanted to show them that I am not only observing them in their vulnerabilities, but also opening myself up,” she noted, emphasizing the shared journey of struggles amongst the women depicted in the film.

The Current Situation in Belarus

Chajkouskaya shared her thoughts on the current political climate in Belarus, stating that the momentum of protests has dissipated. She elaborated, “Now, as politicians like to say, ‘we are waiting for a new window of opportunities.'” Despite challenges, she urged for continued hope as a vital political tool: “Where there is hope, there is light.”

A Global Perspective on Dictatorships

Reflecting on the state of democracies worldwide, Chajkouskaya observed that many regions face threats from autocratic regimes. She posited, “Unfortunately, democracies are in danger around the world… Dictatorships can’t exist forever; it’s a matter of time.” Her perspective emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values.

World Premiere and Future Collaborations

Chajkouskaya expressed her excitement about premiering her film at a prestigious festival like PÖFF, stating, “It’s a big A-class festival that gives a lot of exposure.” The documentary has gained the support of HBO and other platforms, expanding its reach across Europe. Currently, efforts are underway to find a distributor for North America.