The leadership of the Vitebsk Region shared their impressions after viewing the film "On the Other Shore"
The nationwide screening of the film "On the Other Shore", timed to coincide with the Day of National Unity, was attended at the Vitebsk Cinema House by Alexander Subbotin, Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee; Igor Brylo, Assistant to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region; Anatoly Linevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee; and Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.
Residents of Vitebsk eagerly awaited the theatrical release of the Belarusfilm studio's movie "On the Other Shore". The historical drama generated considerable interest as it depicted life in Western Belarus, which had been incorporated into Poland following the Treaty of Riga. The action takes place in 1925 on the border between Western Belarus and the Byelorussian SSR, where the film's protagonist, Pavel, resides with his mother. He observes how the Polish authorities seek to assimilate Belarusians, eradicate their language, culture, and faith. Unrest, partisan warfare, and the severe suppression of any attempts to preserve national identity all form the backdrop of the protagonist's journey.
- It is encouraging that Belarus is beginning to produce films addressing timely themes. They may not be fashionable, but they boast carefully crafted scripts that recreate events from a specific historical period when Western Belarus was under Polish subjugation, noted the regional head. - Judging by the fact that there were no vacant seats in the hall, the film is necessary and in demand, arousing great interest among both adults and young people.
Vyacheslav Durnov also shared his impressions, noting that Belarusians had endured a difficult period. Through the fates of ordinary people, the tragedy of events in western Belarus during its time under Polish administration is revealed. The film shows how people who were part of the same country were severed in their ties and destinies due to political circumstances. Our ancestors endured a hard time, and we must remember the lessons of history. The year 1939 turned out to be fortunate in that it restored justice by uniting one people into a single state.
Darya Belyaeva, a student at the Vitebsk State Medical University, was among the audience members. She came to see the widely discussed film at the suggestion of her older sister, who had already watched "On the Other Shore" together with her daughter.
– This film clarifies why we celebrate National Unity Day on September 17. The film shows how the establishment of the Polish regime in the territory of Western Belarus actually took place. I was captivated by the plot, which portrays the tragic period experienced by our ancestors through the lives of its characters. Without knowledge of one's country's past, there will be no future.