Hindsight
From the Archives
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Documentary, Short Films, 03-Apr-2025
Through his parents’ VHS-recorded journeys following the fall of the Iron Curtain, the son of two Ukrainians embarks on a meditation of roots, memory, and culture. Max Rykov’s “Hindsight” is a poignant piece of personal documentary with historical insights on heritage and the effects of geopolitics. As we observe various scenes from his parents’ adventures in a post-soviet landscape, Rykov quietly informs us of the historical context at hand. We observe textured footage from trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, and more. All the while, the young man ponders on how “roots” are defined, carefully drawing poetic parallels between the story of his parents and their places of travel. With an abundance of rich analogue images, thanks to his parents’ frequent recording, there’s plenty to appreciate visually in “Hindsight.” Moreover, the filmmaker offers a narration that is not only thoughtful but also educational. -JM. Director: Max Rykov. DP: Anna Rykova, Igor Rykov. Editor: Max Rykov.
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