This week, Murray State's Cinema International presents the 2014 Estonian film Tangerines, directed by Zaza Urushadze. Tracy Ross speaks to program director Dr. Thérèse St. Paul about the upcoming screenings.
From the MSU Cinema International website:
"A story of awakening humanity in the midst of violence, told with intimacy and elegance, Tangerines is the spare, yet haunting, tale of an older Estonian man who cares for two wounded soldiers from opposite sides of the 1990s-era war in Georgia.
The film reveals compassion to be the ultimate response to centuries of political, cultural, and ethnic conflict, a compelling and relevant message for contemporary audiences."
St. Paul has said in previous interviews that she does not enjoy war movies, and Ross begins by asking her why Tangerines is different. "It really is not so much about war as it is about peace," St. Paul replies.
"The reason I don't like war movies is the violence and glorification of heroism and pitting people against each other. It continues this saga for centuries. I think [Tangerines] aims to do exactly the contrary. I really felt that Tangerines is from a country that we never hear about. There are a lot of conflicts we never hear about."
"This addresses, with a lot of force and intelligence, the conflicts that blew up following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991," St. Paul continues. "When a multitude of small ethnic and religious communities began fighting against each other."
These conflicts are highlighted by the two wounded soldiers on opposing sides of the war. "Of course, they want to kill each other as soon as they see each other," St. Paul explains. "But they're bound by a truce. The old man says nothing happens in his house. This is a wonderful plea for reconciliation and humanity and learning to appreciate the futility of killing each other."
The film follows countries lesser-known to the average US citizen, but St. Paul says extensive geographical knowledge is not necessary to enjoy the film. Rather, the audience's confusion regarding who is fighting whom serves to emphasize the chaotic states of these post-Soviet regions.
"I think the director performed a small miracle by presenting this insanity of war in 87 minutes. I think everybody will understand that compassion is the ultimate response to these centuries-old conflicts. I think it's a relevant message for contemporary audiences," St. Paul concludes.
Cinema International presents Tangerines on Thursday, November 11th, in the Barkley Room and Saturday, November 13th, in the Curris Center Theatre. Both screenings are at 7:30 pm and on the third floor of the Curris Center.
A discussion will follow both screenings. Masks are required.
For more information on the MSU Cinema International program, including upcoming screenings and how to donate, visit its website.
