Interview by Chris Olson
Hi Anna, thanks for talking to us. Where in the world do we find you now?
I currently live in New York.
In 2020, completed a short documentary called Point Symmetry. For our readers, what is the film about and how was it made?
The film “Point Symmetry” is an exploration of the stories of Uta Gefferer and Lisa Rozovsky, two middle-aged women from Boston whose parents experienced contrasting realities during World War II. Uta’s father was a German soldier and a member of the Nazi Youth, while Lisa’s parents and grandmother, who were of Jewish origin, were tragically sent to Auschwitz. Miraculously, Lisa’s father, Andre, survived the genocide, making him one of the few survivors of her family.
The inspiration for “Point Symmetry” came from a friend named Julia, who introduced Uta to me and briefly shared her story. This introduction sparked a deep connection and a desire to bring their narratives to light. The film takes the form of a video portrait, delves into their past stories and focuses on the evening event they are organizing called “For Our Fathers”.
“To our ancestors” serves as an exciting program, combining songs related to the Holocaust with works of art, as a means of exploring grief and heritage. The songs featured in the program are poignant songs composed by notable artists such as Kurt Weill, Norbert Glanzberg and Hermann Leopoldi. These musical works are used as an emotional expression, conveying the experiences and feelings related to the Holocaust.
The creation of “Point Symmetry” stemmed from the desire to give voice to these amazing stories, to respect the past and to explore the power of music and art in navigating personal and collective traumas. By interweaving the experiences of Uta and Lisa and capturing the essence of the evening event they are organizing, the film creates a depiction of grief, memory and resilience.
The film deals with incredibly emotional issues. How was the reaction to him from the audience?
The film “Symmetry of Points”, with its deep emotional themes, resonated greatly with the audience. The impact of World War II, which affected many families around the world, evoked a deep emotional response from viewers. Many people who watched the film found themselves moved by the recognition of the far-reaching consequences of war on families around the world.
The film’s exploration of the contrasting experiences of Uta and Lisa, and their families’ connection to World War II, captured the audience. It reminded viewers of the enormous human cost and lasting legacy of that period in history.
Where can people see point symmetry?
Right now, it’s only available on a private screening link but I’m planning to release the movie online.
Another documentary you made was generation 328 which deals with the severe punishment for smoking marijuana in Belarus. Why did you want to make this film?
As the producer and director of the documentary Generation 328, my friend Nika Nikaneva had a deep passion to shed light on the severe punishment for minor drug offenses in Belarus. Tragically, Nika passed away in Alaska in 2019, leaving the project unfinished. In honor of her memory and dedication to this important cause, I, together with Piotr Marchiello (her husband) and Anis G, took upon myself the responsibility of the post-production of the film and its completion.
We felt a strong sense of duty to convey Nika’s vision and create a lasting legacy for her through this documentary. “Dor 328” was her most significant project, and we wanted to ensure that her voice was heard and her message amplified.
The film aims to raise awareness of the dire consequences facing people in Belarus, highlighting the unjust treatment and the impact it has on their lives. In completing the film, we hoped not only to honor Nika’s memory but also to contribute to meaningful discussions and encourage change. This was our way of preserving her legacy and ensuring that her impactful storytelling reaches audiences and makes a difference.
What were the challenges in creating this symmetry and point of symmetry?
For the documentary “Dor 328”, one of the main challenges we faced was the absence of the director, Nika Nikanwa, who unfortunately passed away. Nika’s vision and creative guidance was invaluable, and her absence created a void that we had to navigate as we completed the film. It was a difficult and exciting process to continue the project without her presence and insights.
As for the “symmetry of points”, the challenge lies in delving into the deep emotional and challenging memories associated with the experiences of the people involved. Addressing issues such as war, mourning and the Holocaust required careful sensitivity and respect. The process of revisiting and documenting such painful memories was emotionally demanding for everyone involved in the production.
Both films presented unique challenges of their own.
Why do you make movies?
I make films because it serves as an outlet to express my thoughts and explore topics that resonate deeply with me on a personal level. Filmmaking allows me to translate my ideas, feelings and perspectives into a visual and narrative form that can connect with the audience on a deep level.
Movies have the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations and create a shared experience between viewers. Through storytelling, I can shed light on important issues, provoke thought and reflection and contribute to a wider understanding of the world we live in. It is a medium that allows me to communicate and interact with others, inviting them to see the world from different perspectives and foster empathy and connection.
What’s next for you?
Today I am immersed in my work on various editorials and campaigns for a well-known fashion brand. Alongside this, I also plan to collaborate with a partner in writing a script for a short film. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to the journey of creating a compelling script and ultimately bringing it to the screen.
