We are proud to be not only sponsors but also ambassadors of this year's Budapest International Documentary Film Festival's shocking, awakening, courageous and extraordinary film, Our Cross.
The film brings to mind the words of the festival's founder, Ágnes Sós:
"We looked at our competition films this year, looked back over the past year, over illness and the country we live in, and one concept came through: 'courage'. Some have it, some don't. Courage is a condition. Those who are not brave always have something to fall back on. Those who are truly brave, on the other hand, have nothing to fall back on. They are fewer in number. They have always been fewer.
Women, children, resisters, dreamers, pathfinders - those who are brave. Film directors who are brave. Filmmakers who are - for the first time at this year's festival - anonymous filmmakers. If they reveal themselves, they will pay with their lives. There are brave filmmakers in many countries, and they have to leave many countries to be brave enough to make films. Their livelihoods and their lives are at stake, even in 2022, if they show only the truth.
It takes courage to act. To make a film where not only filmmaking, but also basic human rights, human dignity, freedom, and indeed truth, are hindered by the eternal interests of power, is courage..."
According to our team member Pál Ribarics, the film is a true reflection of the often shocking diversity of African life. The main couple live off the meagre harvest of cassava flour and are very active in the local Protestant church. At the heart of every gathering is the battle between God and Satan. Evil spirits, curses and witchcraft are part of their everyday language and are still an important part of their beliefs.
Under the surface, however, the couple have a big secret in common: they both have AIDS, which is still seen by many in the Central African Republic as a form of divine punishment. As the signs of their condition become more and more visible, desperation slowly takes over, and they cling to prayers and miracles, seeing every little misfortune as a divine blessing and every failure as a punishment. They are torn between hope, fear and shame.
The documentary becomes even more gripping when the husband is offered the job of assistant pastor, which brings his inner conflict into sharp focus on screen. He wonders whether he can accept 'God's call' to lead the congregation, whether he is worthy of the job.
This documentary is about pain and helplessness and reminds the viewer that old prejudices and beliefs have not yet disappeared, doubly afflicting the unfortunate victims. At the same time, it shows the value of Africa, the strength of the community, including the spousal community.
The film is directed by:
Elvis Sabin Ngaïbino
SCREENING DATES:
3 February 2024, 14:45, Mammoth II.
4 February 2024, 13:45, Mammut II.