Prieš parskrendant į Žemę

Kahlköpfige Kinder in glänzenden Fluren, Ölfarbe an den Wänden, leuchtendes Linoleum: Zunächst glaubt man sich in einem Science Fiction Film. Arunas Matelis’ Porträt einer Kinder-Krebsstation handelt vom Fremdartig-Vertrauten. Der Film entstand während eines achtmonatigen Krankenhausaufenthaltes von Matelis’ eigener, leukämiekranker Tochter. In den Videosequenzen wird die Kamera zur Spielgefährtin, mit der die Kinder durch die Gänge tollen, aber auch zur Zuhörerin für die Mütter, die ihre Hoffnung betonen und dabei weinen. Before Flying Back to the Earth wurde mit zahlreichen Preisen ausgezeichnet, darunter die Goldene Taube in Leipzig und der Silberne Wolf auf der IDFA Amsterdam. (Maya McKechneay)

Bald-headed children in shiny hallways, oil paint on the walls, glowing linoleum: at first it looks like a science fiction film. Arunas Matelis’ portrait of a children’s cancer ward deals with what is alienatingly familiar. The film was made when Matelis’ own leukaemic daughter spent eight months in the hospital. In the video sequences the camera becomes a playmate that the children romp with through the hallways, but also a confidante for the mothers, who stress their hope and cry at the same time. Before Flying Back to Earth has been distinguished with numerous awards, including the Golden Dove in Leipzig and the Silver Wolf at the IDFA Amsterdam. „ ...the experiences of my own and my family agree that the cancer department was the place where not only the major hardships of our lives have awaited us, but also the place where we have spent our brightest and most meaningful days. Days that we were given to get ready, hope and wait for our fateful flight: Back … Home … to Us …to the Earth.“ (Arunas Matelis)