The leadership of the Vitebsk region shared their impressions after watching the film "On the Other Bank"
The film "On the Other Bank," launched nationwide and dedicated to National Unity Day, was attended at the House of Cinema in Vitebsk by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, Presidential Aide - Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Igor Brylo, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Anatoly Linevich, and Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vyacheslav Durnov.
Vitebsk residents eagerly awaited the release of the "Belarusfilm" studio's movie "On the Other Bank" on the big screen. The historical drama generated significant interest as it told viewers about life in Western Belarus, which was annexed by Poland under the Treaty of Riga. The film's events unfold in 1925 near the border of Western Belarus and the BSSR, where the main character, Pavel, lives with his mother. He witnesses the Polish authorities' attempts to assimilate Belarusians, eradicate their language, culture, and faith. Unrest, partisan warfare, and the brutal suppression of any attempts to preserve national identity are all woven into the main character's story.
- It is gratifying that Belarus is beginning to produce films on topical issues. Not trendy, but with a well-thought-out script that reproduces events from a specific historical period when Western Belarus was under Polish oppression, - emphasized the head of the region.
- Judging by the fact that there were no empty seats in the hall, the film is necessary and in demand, evoking great interest from both adults and young people. Vyacheslav Durnov also shared his impressions, noting that Belarusians have endured a difficult time. The tragedy of events in the western part of Belarus, when it was under Polish rule, is shown through the fates of ordinary people. The film depicts how people from what was essentially one country, due to political circumstances, found their connections and destinies torn apart. Our ancestors went through a difficult time, and we must remember the lessons of history. 1939 turned out to be a fortunate year in that it restored justice by uniting one people into one country.
Daria Belyaeva, a student at VGMU, was among the viewers. She came to see the much-talked-about film at the suggestion of her older sister, who had already watched "On the Other Bank" 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 happened. I was captivated by the plot, which depicts the tragic times experienced by our ancestors through the fates of people. Without knowledge of the past history of one's country, there will be no future.