I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians

In the heart of Bucharest, a talented young film director named Mariana Marin is immersed in the rehearsal of a powerful dramatic reenactment that delves into a dark chapter of Romania’s past. This period dates back to 1941 when the fascist regime led by Marshal Antonescu allied with Hitler to invade the Soviet Union. Their justification for this invasion stemmed from two main goals: the first being the reclamation of territories taken by Stalin in 1940, which were integrated into the Soviet republics of Moldavia and Ukraine. The second objective was far more sinister, aiming to cleanse these lands—as well as to pursue further territorial aspirations in Ukraine, particularly Odesa—of Jews and Roma.

However, Mariana’s journey is not solely focused on her film; her personal life is fraught with complications as she discovers she is pregnant with the child of her married lover. Professionally, she faces mounting pressure as her ambitious plans catch the attention of the ministry funding her project. A representative, although acknowledging that her screenplay remains historically precise, urges her to soften the narrative and mitigate the gravity of the regime’s horrendous actions. He warns her that should she stand her ground, the municipality may very well prohibit the enactment altogether. After a prolonged debate, Mariana finds herself conceding to a few alterations while also accepting a date with the representative.

The day of the event unfolds successfully, yet the audience’s response, as well as that of the volunteer participants, reveals a stark dichotomy. A notable portion of the Romanian populace finds it challenging to embrace the documented truths of their nation’s role in the deportations and mass executions. This complex interplay of historical acknowledgment and personal dilemmas intricately weaves together the fabric of Mariana’s story, raising profound questions about memory, responsibility, and identity.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:12