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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The theme of Rasplata<\/em> (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 \u201ccome out of his shell\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2018there are others like me out there\u2019. I felt such (for lack of a better word, \u201caccurate\u201d) 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).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Director’s Statement I believe that the film presents a unique perspective on the themes it portrays, bothimplicitly and explicitly. The origins of the film are…<\/p>\nTarget Audiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I. Adoptive parents and legal guardians<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
II. Adoptees\/orphans (especially foreign adoptees)<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIII. Mental Health\/ organisations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n