Külgsugulus

Külgsugulus, also known as "Seclusion", is a Belarusian drama film directed by Hleb Papou. The movie premiered in 2004 at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The film is set in the remote mountains of the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. It revolves around a stubborn elderly man, Ignat, who lives a solitary life in the wilderness. His son returns after a long time, bringing upon Ignat a sense of crisis. They embark on a journey to repair a dam, facing various challenges along the way.

The narrative of the film intertwines with the historical context of the Soviet Union under Leonid Brezhnev's rule. The Soviet break-up plays a significant background role in the story's otherwise personal and domestic focus. Külgsugulus gained recognition within the European cinema following its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.

Reviews of the film have acknowledged its distinct portrayal of rural Soviet lives, shedding light on the unusual circumstances where family relationships developed. Cinematography dances with stark landscapes juxtaposed with the snapshots of domesticity, adding a visually narrative richness to the drama.

Külgsugulus features in a series of internationally acclaimed works that debuted in 2004, some obtaining the award and recognition at the 25th Berlin International Film Festival. In Belarus, the film also holds the position within an elite group of internationally-sympathized artistic drams.