In “Requiem for Irena”, we embark on a journey through the eyes of 98-year-old Irena Osadzinski, a Polish woman who was deported to Russia in 1939 from her village of Olesko, Lviv Oblast. Through her son’s perspective, who is a pianist, and a music composition written specially for her, Irena shares her life story of the injustices faced by Polish citizens during this time, and the lifelong impact it has had on her and generations to come. As Russia invades Ukraine, the Polish diaspora from Lviv relives the traumatic events of their own forced deportations. In September 1939, Germany and Russia invaded Poland, dividing the spoils and deporting 1.7 million Poles to slave labour camps in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Siberia. With the war continuing and Stalin needing help, a Polish-Soviet treaty allowed for the release of military-age Poles, and a new Polish army was formed under General Anders. Unfortunately, only 160,000 Poles managed to escape the Soviet Union, and the Yalta conference in 1945 redefined the borders of Europe, leaving many Poles in exile. Irena’s story, and those like hers, highlights the devastating effects of war on individuals and communities. It also serves as a reminder of the forgotten pages of history, and the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices made by so many. The film also raises questions about what it means to be a stranger in one’s own birthplace, and the struggle for belonging and home...

“Where Does Europe End?” is a powerful and eye-opening documentary about the refugee crisis on Europe’s borders. The film takes us to the heart of the conflict, to the border regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, where refugees are facing violence, exploitation, and illegal deportations at the hands of European police forces. The film follows a family on their 61st journey across the border, a young boy whose dream of a life in Europe is slowly slipping away, and the harsh reality of the violence and exploitation they face. The film also explores the infamous pushbacks, where refugees are taken by police forces, stripped of their belongings including their shoes, money, and clothes, and then beaten and forced to walk back across the border, often miles away from their starting point. The film is narrated by director Daimon Xanthopoulos and accompanied by the lens of seasoned war photographer Eddy van Wessel. The interplay between the two creates an intimate look into the lives of the refugees and brings their stories to the forefront, shedding light on a situation that often goes unseen and ignored. “Where Does Europe End?” is a call to action, reminding us of our obligation to uphold human rights and dignity, and to fight against the violence and exploitation taking place on our own doorstep. It’s a film that informs, educates, and inspires, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity...