Visual artist Anna Kryvenko, currently a Fellow in the Artist in Residence program at the Institute of Advanced Studies at Central European University (CEU), will present her in-progress film, “This House is Undamaged,” on Wednesday, February 5, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. The event will take place at CEU, located at 1051-Budapest, Nador street 15, Room 103, and will be livestreamed.
Kryvenko’s documentary explores the transformation of Mariupol, a Ukrainian city largely destroyed during the Russian invasion. She explains, “I am making a hybrid documentary film using the deconstruction of images and the ‘reconstruction’ of the city through advertisements people post on social media.” The film addresses the absence of children in the city through the lens of abandoned children’s clothing sales, alongside a poignant exploration of the funeral industry as one of the most lucrative businesses amid ongoing turmoil.
“This House is Undamaged” utilizes archival footage, social media content, and interviews to highlight the stark contrast between destruction and the rapid reconstruction efforts imposed by pro-Russian authorities. The film delves into the complex history of Mariupol, from its Soviet-era roots to the potential for future Ukrainian control.
Key narratives in the film include the experiences of displaced residents as they grapple with loss through personal artifacts and the opportunism of Russians profiting from Mariupol’s devastation in both real estate and funeral services. It critiques propaganda and media manipulation, raising fundamental questions about the feasibility of true restoration without addressing underlying societal issues.
Kryvenko invites those interested to engage with her work and discuss the themes of memory, displacement, and the ethical dilemmas faced in post-conflict reconstruction.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: CEU, Nador street 15, Room 103, Budapest
Event link: https://events.ceu.edu/2025-02-05/house-undamaged
