Viva Belarus!
2012 · Poland · 98 min
- Director
- Krzysztof Łukaszewicz
- Screenplay
- Franak Viacorka
- Producer
- Włodzimierz Niderhaus
- Music
- Lavon Volski
- Cinematography
- Witold Stok
- Production company
- Warsaw Documentary Film Studio
Cast
What it is about
Belarus has been ruled for sixteen years by the dictatorship of Alexander Lukashenko. Miron, 23, distrusts the democratic opposition, which he sees as a group of dreamers. A concert by an independent rock band sparks anti-regime protests, and Miron, despite his health problems, is forcibly drafted into an army shaped by the Soviet spirit.
How it was made
Directed by Krzysztof Łukaszewicz and produced by Włodzimierz Niderhaus at the Warsaw Documentary Film Studio, the film draws on the real story of opposition activist Franak Viačorka, who co-wrote the screenplay. Lavon Volski composed the music and Witold Stok shot the film. Its protagonist writes a blog about military life that serves as a metaphor for present-day Belarus and turns his posts into satirical songs.
Reception and legacy
Viva Belarus! screened at 2013 festivals, including Brussels, where it won the prize for best screenplay, and Gdynia, where it received the audience award. It also took the Golden Sable at the Warsaw military film festival. In April 2026, a Belarusian court added it to its list of extremist materials.
Trivia
Screening at the European Parliament
The film was presented at the European Parliament on 15 October 2013, as part of its screenings outside Poland.
A blog as narrative core
The protagonist's fictional blog, titled 'Life of a Conscript', drives the plot and provides the lyrics for his songs.
Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.