Since its launch in March 2023, VODBLISK has become a crucial platform for independent Belarusian cinema. Led by Volia Chajkouskaya, a prominent figure in Belarus’s film industry and the head of the Northern Lights Nordic-Baltic Film Festival (4 – 21 November, 2024), VODBLISK (Водбліск)—meaning «reflection» in Belarusian—stands out for its role in showcasing narratives that challenge the state-controlled film industry. It began its journey with My Granny from Mars by Aliaksandr Mihalkovich and has since featured 23 films from 14 directors, representing a diverse range of genres and formats. It is the only online cinema dedicated exclusively to Belarusian films.
VODBLISK responds to the severe restrictions on the distribution of independent films within Belarus, where cinemas are dominated by state-produced propaganda. This control of BelarusFilm significantly limits the public’s access to diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those scrutinising social and political issues. By offering a digital venue, VODBLISK enables these independent films to bypass traditional censorship, reaching audiences within Belarus for free and globally for a small rental fee.
The platform facilitates film streaming and engages in building a community around Belarusian cinema by providing director profiles and interviews. This helps to humanise and advocate for filmmakers who challenge authoritarian narrative constraints. However, operating VODBLISK is fraught with financial and logistical challenges, as it depends heavily on external funding and support to sustain and expand its offerings. If you are able to support VODBLISK, you can do so – HERE.
Given the politically sensitive nature of its content, security is paramount. VODBLISK exercises utmost caution in film selection, prioritising the safety of filmmakers and subjects involved, particularly when films depict real protests or offer narratives that directly oppose state propaganda.
Moreover, VODBLISK stands firmly against film piracy, promoting legal screenings to ensure that these films’ creators and rightful distributors are supported financially. Among its most viewed titles are films like Lake of Happiness by Aliaksey Paluyan, Common Language by Volia Chajkouskaya, and Crystal Swan by Daria Zhuk.
In 2024, VODBLISK is set to expand its influence through a strategic partnership with CPH:DOX. This collaboration will facilitate cross-screenings of Danish and Belarusian documentaries, fostering cultural exchange and extending the platform’s international reach.
VODBLISK is more than just a film streaming service; it is a form of cultural resistance, offering a space where independent Belarusian cinema can thrive and contribute to the global discourse on freedom of expression and the role of art in societal change.
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