IDFA 2021: Where Are We Headed (International Competition) | Review
Presented in the International Competition of the 34th IDFA, Where Are We Headed is a charming, harmonious piece of work looking at human choreography underground, directed by Ruslan Fedotov.
As part of our coverage of IDFA 2021 (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam), running in Amsterdam from November 17th to 28th, we explored the International Competition where we came across Where Are We Headed (Belarus, Russia, 2021) directed by Ruslan Fedotov.
What comes to the fore in the film is the charming visual poetry of life underground that we are offered. With undeniable filmmaking skills, the director plunges us into Moscow’s busy subway corridors and trains. Director Ruslan Fedotov chooses to focus on the individuals who make up the mass that we see entering the subway in the film’s opening shot.
In this microcosm, under the words of President Vladimir Putin to celebrate the Russian nation on New Year’s Eve, broadcasted in the subway’s tunnels, life is unfolding, expectedly or not. With grace and strong visual instincts, the filmmaker leads us from one person to the next, from one situation to another. From small incidents and conversations, from an accordionist dressed as Santa Claus reflecting on the Universe and Russia’s soul, to a vendor trying in vain to sell his giant balloons. From a political demonstration to police actions. From a spontaneous dance to a sleeping child. The film captures authentic, beautiful, at times surprising moments of life and creates a charming harmony out of them, thanks to the film’s alluring aesthetics.
Yet, one ends up wondering where this is all heading. Beyond this delicious poetry and human choreography, one may regret the lack of direction or underlying message of this formally successful observational piece.
