A trilateral border post in the buffer zone between Transnistria and the Republic of Moldova. Three soldiers keep watch on the banks of the river. Beginning with a depiction of this microcosm, the film zooms out to become a detailed description of the state of affairs on one strangest borders in Europe. There is an atmosphere of paralysis and stagnation. With a multi-perspective chorus, FROZEN CONFLICT (Steffi Wurster, G 2018) explores the competing interests of national elites, Russia’s ambiguous role and the impact on the locals‘ living conditions, delivering a picture of a region held hostage to larger geopolitical interests. One wonders who the enemy is. Evoking the absurdity of “Waiting for Godot”, the film exposes thought patterns dating back to the east-west conflict that (should) have run their course. (ara) (18.5.)
