Eliso - Nikolai Shengelaia
"Eliso" is the story of a young Chechen woman who passionately fights for her own rights and the rights of those in her village.
Chechnya and Russia have a long and convoluted history, but the direct event that influences this film is the Caucasian War. This war lasted in Chechnya from 1817 to 1864. The war was an effort on behalf of Russia to gain control of the northern Caucasus mountains, specifically the area of Chechnya. After many years of battle and resistance, the leader of the Chechen people was captured and forced to swear allegiance to the Russian Tsar. Even after Chechnya became a colony of Russia, there were conflicts between the tribes of people who traditionally lived in the Caucasus.
This film is complicated because there are many sources of conflict, and they come from different historical bearings. The love story between Eliso and Vajia is a conflict. Vajia is Georgian and Christian, while Eliso is Chechen and Muslim. Her father does not approve of their relationship. The people of Eliso's village conflict with the Russian police force that want their land. This conflict is historical and based in the long-term tradition of Russian invasion in the area. Finally there is the conflict between Vajia and the Russian general. The general does not like Vajia because he is Georgian, and therefore beneath the Russians.
Chechnya and Russia have a long and convoluted history, but the direct event that influences this film is the Caucasian War. This war lasted in Chechnya from 1817 to 1864. The war was an effort on behalf of Russia to gain control of the northern Caucasus mountains, specifically the area of Chechnya. After many years of battle and resistance, the leader of the Chechen people was captured and forced to swear allegiance to the Russian Tsar. Even after Chechnya became a colony of Russia, there were conflicts between the tribes of people who traditionally lived in the Caucasus.
This film is complicated because there are many sources of conflict, and they come from different historical bearings. The love story between Eliso and Vajia is a conflict. Vajia is Georgian and Christian, while Eliso is Chechen and Muslim. Her father does not approve of their relationship. The people of Eliso's village conflict with the Russian police force that want their land. This conflict is historical and based in the long-term tradition of Russian invasion in the area. Finally there is the conflict between Vajia and the Russian general. The general does not like Vajia because he is Georgian, and therefore beneath the Russians.