- “Come and See” (1985): This acclaimed war film directed by Elem Klimov takes place in Belarus during World War II. It follows a young boy who witnesses the horrors of the war firsthand.
- “In the Fog” (2012): Directed by Sergei Loznitsa, this drama is set in Belarus during the Nazi occupation in the early 1940s. It explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.
- “Sofia” (2018): This psychological drama, directed by Meryem Benm’Barek, is set in modern-day Belarus. It tells the story of a young woman who faces challenges and societal pressure after giving birth outside of wedlock.
- “The Return” (2003): Although not exclusively set in Belarus, this Russian drama by Andrei Zvyagintsev includes scenes filmed in the country. The film follows two brothers who embark on a journey with their estranged father.
- “The Belarusian Station” (1971): This historical drama, directed by Andrei Kuzmenko, is set during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. The story revolves around a Belarusian railway station agent who gets involved in the revolutionary events around him.
- “Chernobyl Prayer” by Svetlana Alexievich: Although not strictly a fictional novel, this book is an incredibly powerful and haunting account of the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath in Belarus. It portrays the voices of people affected by the catastrophe, offering a perspective.
- “The Gates of November” by Chaim Potok: This novel explores the lives of the Slepak family, focusing on the events that led to their emigration from Belarus in 1987. It delves into the themes of Jewish identity, religion, and the impact of political unrest on ordinary lives.
- “A Hare’s Footprint” by Vasil Bykaŭ: Set during World War II, this novel follows the story of Sashka Mazurov, a Belarusian teenager who becomes a partisan fighter against the German occupation. It provides a gripping account of the war’s impact on individuals and the resilience of the Belarusian people.
- “The Dog Runner” by Jacqueline Wilson: While not the central focus of the book, parts of this dystopian novel are set in Belarus. The story follows a young girl named Ella, who travels through war-torn countries in search of her missing dog following a global environmental disaster.
- “A Pigeon and a Boy” by Meir Shalev: Though not exclusively set in Belarus, this novel explores the lives of two separate characters: an Israeli pigeon-handler and a Belarusian Radio Operator during World War II. Their stories intertwine to reveal the universal themes of love, longing, and the power of communication.
WANDERLIST: Belarus in books and on film
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