The
Soviet state was determined to prevent the existence of this film (and many
others like it). When disaster struck the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the
primary goal of the socialist regime—led by Mikhail Gorbachev—was to contain
the truth, rather than the damage. They did neither. Several survivors of
various ages attest to this fact in Colby Blackwill’s short documentary,
Motherland, which screens tomorrow during the 2019 Chain Film Festival.
As
one survivor explains, her brother-in-law happened to be fishing when the
explosions rocked Chernobyl, so he rushed home to evacuate their family.
Fortunately, he had a good idea of what trouble at the plant meant and how the
Party would respond. They were probably one of the last cars out, before the
Soviets blocked the roads, trapping the rest of the city of Pripyat within reach
of Chernobyl’s deadly radiation.
Eventually,
some of the elderly citizens were allowed to return to their homes in the
surrounding Exclusion Zone, despite the lack of electricity, running water, or
basic services of any kind. Frankly, it was probably considered a means of “disposing”
some of the refuges who became a troubling embarrassment to the Soviets. Yet,
they continue to live on defiantly. In what might be the most poignant moment
of the film, one such octogenarian “babushka” ruefully laments the likelihood
she will outlive her grown children in their early 50s, because they have long
exhibited signs of radiation-related sicknesses.
Motherland
is
not the definitive document on Chernobyl, but it collects some valuable oral
history. Blackwill presents it with great sensitivity and takes the ribbing of
one of the babushkas with good humor. There is plenty of truth to be found
within, despite the Communist Party’s best efforts. Highly recommended for
anyone interested in learning more about Chernobyl after the terrific HBO
miniseries, Motherland screens tomorrow (8/12), as part of a program of
short documentaries at this year’s Chain Film Festival.
