Grey
Grey - Sara Anna Nadalini
Valeria was born in a border town between Estonia and Russia. As grey lies between black and white, she lingers between two States, trapped seeking for her own identity.
What motivated you to realize this project?
I did my undergraduate in Tallinn, Estonia, one of the small, enigmatic Baltic States. The integration of the Russian-speaking population and their relation with the Estonian society is a very controversial, contemporary issue, still affecting the cultural and political scenario 25 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. I started carrying out a personal research through interviews with Estonians and Russians; consequently, I learned about another category of residents: the stateless, people who are neither Estonians, nor Russians. I pursued this research prompted by the political and personal reasons that caused such a situation and intrigued by how these people are called: aliens, holders of a grey passport.
How did the process develop (any issues, great experiences, etc.)?
I started with a personal research, carrying out interviews, becoming more structured as the project took shape and my knowledge of the topic deepened. Later, my interest in the subject and the relations with people I had met helped me cross paths with more individuals with an alien passport. Sadly, during this process, I realized that the painful memories of the Soviet occupation were still vivid in my Estonian friends’ minds: as I was digging deeper into my research, I was often obstructed and challenged.
As much as I tried to remain neutral and impartial, my feelings towards the people I met and their reasons also started to feel controversial as I often did not understand or disagreed with their choices.
When I interrupted the research to concentrate on my dissertation, I promised myself that I would not leave this project unfinished and that I would give justice to the people I had met. In light of this, I undertook a new trip with a different attitude during my postgraduate studies in London.
What do you aspire that this documentary will realize?
My aim with this documentary is to encourage audience reflection on the meaning of identity while raise awareness of an issue rarely discussed. Optimistically, the possible usage by an NGO that deals with related issues will also increase attention of the peculiarity of Valeria’s case and put pressure for a policy change in Estonia.
GREY from Sarino on Vimeo.
MA Documentary Film is part of London College of Communication, University of Arts London. For more info: arts.ac.uk/lcc