Aptly titled, and bent towards reality not rhetoric, Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus is a 2024 documentary that takes an intimate look at what is unfolding in the eastern European country since the disputed election of President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020.
The first few scenes of this 77-minute film open with footage and statistics of protests and arrests that transpired after the most recent (sixth consecutive) election of Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. After that, though, the documentary unfolds in a starkly different fashion.
A Corso Films production directed by Juliane Tutein, and released by EPF Media, Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus takes a subtle approach to storytelling and focuses specifically on three separate women of varying ages all playing their part in fighting for democracy in the former Soviet-controlled country.
By featuring the seemingly everyday lives of these women—the 74-year-old Nina, the 40-year-old Tanya, and the 22-year-old Darya—the film conveys the message that fighting for democracy isn’t a swift and fast endeavor of stormed gates and fleeing leaders, but is instead a slow, prodding, and at times a tedious undertaking of letter writing and care-package creating activities in order to keep the flame alive. All three of the women—as does the film itself—fan that flame by remembering and supporting fellow citizens that have been persecuted by the Belarus government in recent years.
One of the more unique ways the film does this from an editing perspective is by inserting photos and infographics (as if they were pop-up notification) to inform viewers about Belarus citizens who have been jailed because of infractions that citizens of free societies take for granted, like posting on social media, or visiting independent news websites. Other interesting editing choices include the juxtaposition of urban, Soviet-era architecture against the more rural and naturalist climates each woman is captured living and working in.
The film is sprinkled with historical references, like mention of Joseph Stalin’s repression of the 1930s, and Lukashenko coming to power as a virtual puppet of Moscow after once being a communist collective farmer, but ultimately leaves plenty of room for other historical information to provide better context for viewers.
Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus is a well-structured documentary. Told primarily by Nina, Tanya and Darya in their native tongue, this educational documentary will be consumed by many of its viewers via subtitles and is currently available in both DVD and Digital formats.
How can Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus is an important and educational documentary that would be a valuable addition to public libraries, especially for those with collections focused on international politics, democracy, human rights, and Eastern European history. This film’s insightful portrayal of the ongoing struggle for democracy in Belarus, specifically through the experiences of three courageous women, offers an in-depth look at the personal costs of standing up to authoritarian regimes. Libraries with an interest in global awareness, political science, or Eastern European studies should consider adding this documentary to their collections. Its accessible format and clear storytelling make it suitable for educational use as well, especially for high school and college-level students.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus?
This documentary would be an excellent resource for a variety of college courses and majors. Political science students studying democracy, authoritarianism, or human rights would benefit greatly from Who, If Not Us?, as it provides a real-world case study of political resistance in a post-Soviet state. International relations courses could use the film to discuss Eastern European geopolitics and the role of authoritarian regimes in modern Europe. History students studying the Soviet legacy or the politics of Belarus will also find the documentary insightful. The film could also be incorporated into gender studies courses, as it highlights the role of women in political resistance, giving students an opportunity to explore gender, power, and activism. Additionally, film studies courses could analyze the documentary’s unique narrative structure and editing choices.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus?
To legally screen Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus in a public setting, such as a library, community center, or educational institution, the appropriate Public Performance Rights (PPR) would need to be obtained. This is essential for screenings outside of private settings, especially in educational or community outreach programs. Whether the documentary is being shown as part of a film series, a discussion on Eastern European politics, or as a tool for raising awareness about human rights, acquiring PPR ensures compliance with copyright laws and allows the film to be screened publicly. Libraries or educational institutions interested in hosting screenings would need to secure these rights to ensure legal use of the film.
How could Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus enhance special events on college campuses?
Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus would be a powerful addition to special events on college campuses, particularly for programs focused on human rights, political activism, or international relations. It could be included in events like Human Rights Awareness Week, screenings for international studies programs, or political activism forums. The film could also be featured in gender studies events, given its emphasis on the role of women in the fight for democracy. Post-screening discussions or panel talks could follow the film, diving deeper into the implications of living under authoritarian regimes, the significance of grassroots movements, and how students can support democratic efforts globally. The documentary’s examination of Belarusian resistance could provide valuable context for broader conversations about political oppression and the ongoing fight for freedoms worldwide.
Why is Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Who, If Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus is a strong candidate for movie licensing because of its educational value, timely subject matter, and compelling storytelling. The film’s in-depth look at the grassroots struggle for democracy in Belarus offers viewers a rare, intimate perspective on the human cost of authoritarian rule. Licensing this documentary ensures that it can be used in educational settings, public screenings, and human rights-focused events, allowing it to reach audiences who can benefit from its critical lessons on political engagement, resistance, and the defense of freedoms. Its unique narrative structure—focusing on ordinary citizens instead of high-profile political leaders—also gives it a broad appeal, making it a strong candidate for inclusion in educational libraries, universities, and film festivals.