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Writer's pictureIssi Israel Doron

The Babushkas of Chernobyl





Continuing to review documentary movies on older adults, this time the review will be about a very unique and fascinating Ukrainian documentary: The Babushkas of Chernobyl. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster is well known: on 26 of April 1986 the plant's reactor No. 4 exploded after a cooling text. This caused one of the most devastating human, environmental and natural damages, due to radiation contamination. As a result, a huge area, surrounding the nuclear plant, has been declared as an "exclusion zone', and all inhabitants have been evacuated, making this area a "no men's land".

The movie documents a community of older women, who after the evacuation, returned to their homes in the exclusion zone surrounding the nuclear power plant. This a very small, and unique - old women only - community. Living in an area which its soil, water and air are highly contaminated, and no one is allowed to entered without strict permission.

There is no real "plot" or "narrative: the movie is much about the here and now, with very short references to the past (e.g. the 1930s famine, or WWII horrors). The "heroes" and "actors" - are all old "babushkas". Through a very quiet and soft interviewing, documentation and filming, the movie tries to answer questions such as: why did these women decide to return to their homes while knowing the dangers and risks involved? How come they survive - and thrive - in this contaminated environment? What does "old age" has to do with it ? And what is their "secret" for success and happiness?

So, how is the movie? I must admit that I fell in love with it. The simple way these brave women choose to live their lives; the way in which subjective meanings, culture, and the natural connections to land, nature, and history - all provide such resilience and strength in old age; they way old women find meaning and joy despite the difficulties and challenges of daily living - are all uplifting and heart warming. There is so much wisdom in the words of these old women, and as Babushka Ivanivna said in the final scene: "Each person should live where their soul desires and so my life goes on."

A must see for any gerontologist and grounds for so many fascinating gerontological discussions.


2015

Ukraine/Global

Directors: Holly Morris & Ann Bogart





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