Prieš parskrendant į Žemę

Bald-headed children in shiny hallways, oil paint on the walls, glowing linoleum: at first it looks like a science fiction film. Arunas Matelis’ portrait of a children’s cancer ward deals with what is alienatingly familiar. The film was made when Matelis’ own leukaemic daughter spent eight months in the hospital. In the video sequences the camera becomes a playmate that the children romp with through the hallways, but also a confidante for the mothers, who stress their hope and cry at the same time. Before Flying Back to Earth has been distinguished with numerous awards, including the Golden Dove in Leipzig and the Silver Wolf at the IDFA Amsterdam. „ ...the experiences of my own and my family agree that the cancer department was the place where not only the major hardships of our lives have awaited us, but also the place where we have spent our brightest and most meaningful days. Days that we were given to get ready, hope and wait for our fateful flight: Back … Home … to Us …to the Earth.“ (Arunas Matelis)