The Woman with the 5 Elephants

SWITZERLAND, GERMANY / 2009 / German, Russian / Color, B&W / 35mm / 93 min
Director: Vadim Jendreyko
www.mirafilm.ch/filme/Die-Frau-mit-den-5-Elefanten

An elderly literary translator, with a sharp gaze that conveys a noble intellect. The hands with which she conscientiously carries out her work are engraved with deep lines representing her memories of wartime. Born in Ukraine, she emigrated to Germany early on during World War II, and has continued to question her own past even after gaining recognition for translating five of Dostoevsky’s major novels, which she calls as the “Five Elephants.” On her first visit to her hometown after moving to Germany, the tumultuous history of Ukraine comes back to haunt her. Quietly tracing the life led by this woman, its tranquil images gracefully illustrate the power of literature to cultivate human dignity.

• Oct. 9 A6 | Oct. 11 A6