A film titled Looking for a Caged Bird is set to screen at a festival in Switzerland, with coverage emerging from a Telegram channel known as Sokurov Island reporting the event.
The project earned a spot in the feature film competition segment of the 22nd International Human Rights Festival and Forum held in Geneva. Audiences can expect screenings on March 9 and March 14 as part of the program highlights.
Directed by Chechen filmmaker Malika Musaeva, the project is presented within a framework influenced by the Caucasian workshop, and its national release in the Russian Federation occurred on October 12, 2023.
The film made its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2023. Its Russian debut occurred at the Spirit of Fire International Film Festival, where it claimed the top award in Russia’s competitive section. Actress Khadija Bataeva was honored with the Alexander Abdulov Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Earlier, in April 2022, the film faced a screening setback at the Cannes Film Festival. The narrative centers on a Chechen youth named Yakha who longs to leave his hometown after finishing school, planning to join his friend Medina in seeking a larger world and a fresh start beyond their familiar surroundings.
Previously, Moscow hosted the premiere of the film that marks the first feature about a special operation, marking a notable moment in the project’s festival journey.
This festival arc reflects a broader conversation about personal aspiration, displacement, and the impact of conflict on young lives. The film combines intimate character study with a documentary-like lens to explore how dreams collide with reality, and how communities respond when a generation seeks change. Critics note the film’s poised pacing, restrained performances, and a storyline that invites viewers to reflect on the resilience of individuals in the face of social upheaval. As the festival circuit continues, Looking for a Caged Bird stands out for its clear human rights focus, its regional voice, and its willingness to confront difficult questions about identity, freedom, and belonging. Attribution: Festival program notes and retrospective reviews