Imago

When Déni Pitsaev inherits a plot of land in Georgia near the Chechen border, his mother hopes he’ll build a house there. The region is home to many Chechens, including members of his mother’s family who, like her, fled the war.

But Déni, who grew up in France, is uncertain about this possible future. He travels to Georgia to see the land for himself, and is immediately welcomed into the community. His father, with whom he barely has any contact, also comes to visit, along with his mother, sister, and brothers. One question seems to be on everyone’s mind: when will Déni finally get married?

What unfolds is a search for self, family, and belonging, beautifully composed and subtly told, where silences in the conversation often speak louder than words. At the same time, Pitsaev touches on themes such as gender roles, personal freedom, war trauma, and the sense of home. An intelligent and personal account, awarded Best Documentary at the Cannes Film Festival.