Kinoteka & Hull Independent Cinema present:
UNDER THE GREY SKY
Dir Mara Tamkovich | Poland | 2024 | 81 mins | Rating TBC | Belarusian, Russian
When anti-regime journalist Lena (Aliaksandra Vaitsekhovich) is arrested for livestreaming the brutal crackdown of a demonstration protesting the 2020 Belarusian election, her husband Ilya (Valentin Novopolskij) is confronted with an impossible situation. Subjected to further police raids and facing the likely reality that his wife will spend years in prison, Ilya must reckon with what he might have to give up by standing with Lena. At the same time, an incarcerated Lena is under pressure from the authorities to renounce her activism and betray her firmly held principles.
Mara Tamkovich’s debut feature paints a chilling picture of political repression in the 21st century, when access to the internet, drones and social media have become entwined with public life. Inspired by the true story of Katsyaryna Andreeva and Igor Ilyash, Under the Grey Sky unflinchingly depicts the personal toll political activism can take while still being a vital reminder of its ultimate necessity. It’s a film specific to Belarus, but with increasing international relevance.
KINOTEKA on TOUR is Part of the UK – Poland Season of Cultural Exchange organized by the British Council, Polish Cultural Institute and Adam Mickiewicz Institute in partnership with Klassiki.
Starring Palina Chabatarova, Valentin Novopolskij, Aliaksandra Vaitsekhovic
AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
Polish Film Festival: Winner, Best Debut Director: Nominee, Best Film
Tribeca Film Festival: Nominee, World Narrative Competition
Torino Film Festival: Nominee, 2 awards inc Best Feature Film
REVIEWS
“Gripping docu-drama starkly reminds the world about life under a dictatorship that heavily suppresses peaceful dissent and free press.” Nora Lee Mandel, Maven’s Nest
“Paints a chilling portrait of political repression, with familiar scenes of protest and police violence that are currently happening in cities across the world.” Sara Clements, Pajiba
“It’s heartening that we have talented filmmakers such as Tamkovich to carry on her (Katsiaryna’s) struggle.” Redmond Bacon, Journey Into Cinema
“As a snippet of life in a totalitarian state, Under the Grey Sky is certainly effective.” Eric Hillis, The Movie Waffler
Venue Details
All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Facilities
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Blue-Badge Parking
Hearing Loop
Level Access
Wheelchair Access
