Director’s Statement
I believe that the film presents a unique perspective on the themes it portrays, both
implicitly and explicitly. The origins of the film are autobiographical in nature: I was
adopted from Russia in infancy, have taken steps to learn more about where I come from, not only filial connections but cultural as well. Whereas Anton learns of his adoption late in life, I was told at a young age, and as such both parts of my heritage- native and adoptive- have greatly influenced my world views in ways I tried to reflect through Anton.
Whereas other stories of adoption focus on parent-child reconnection, however, I chose instead to depict perfect strangers who have to define their relationship for themselves; through the sibling (or half-sibling) dynamic, there is in my opinion much more room for ambiguity and uncertainty between the leads.
The theme of Rasplata (Russian for “reckoning”) is overcoming loneliness. The theme is expressed throughout the film, by Anton taking initiative in seeking out Ana and making a concerted effort to socialize more, to “come out of his shell”, that they might get to know each other better. The theme is personally significant because it is something that I have been grappling with my whole life. To put it simply, I have never quite felt that I fit in, whether it be among acquaintances, colleagues, friends, or even family. Anton’s isolation, whether internally or externally imposed, is an extension- an echo- of my own.
Target Audiences
I. Adoptive parents and legal guardians
After discussing it at length with my mother, I have learned that, at least in my own case, she was unsure of when to tell me in-depth about my adoption, so she decided to tell me sooner rather than later. Through the film, I hope to at least partially explore the effects of telling vs not, and being told vs not.
II. Adoptees/orphans (especially foreign adoptees)
I wrote this film partially from my own perspective and experience as an adoptee from a foreign country- being Russia. Unlike Anton, however, I was told at a very young age, and it greatly influenced how I perceived myself, how I presented myself, and how I came to be perceived by others.
III. Mental Health/ organisations
As someone with much experience dealing with mental health as both a cause and effect of external factors, I believe that an autobiographical depiction of such effects could help people to realise ‘there are others like me out there’. I felt such (for lack of a better word, “accurate”) representation was lacking from the media I consumed in my youth and adolescence, instead being inundated with misinterpretations of mental illness by neurotypical people for neurotypical people (see: Rain Man, The Big Bang Theory, The Good Doctor).