Searching for Satyrus

Searching for Satyrus explores the work of acclaimed photographer Rena Effendi as she embarks on a journey to find an estranged butterfly named after her late father. Her journey leads her to a cross between borders, as the two nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia are at war in a militarised no man’s land. Bound by grief and memory, Rena attempts to find closure and understanding of her late father’s past life.

The piece is a documentary that delves into profound themes of grief and the beauty of memory, two pivotal feelings that the central figure is bound by in her journey. She uses photography as a coping mechanism for her inner turmoil and attempts to understand her father through historical research. Through Rena Effendi’s eyes, the viewer is presented with a wealth of history that unfolds against the backdrop of the Azerbaijan-Armenian border. It's a quietly beautiful and incredibly nuanced depiction of an individual coming to terms with their grief and taking life one step at a time to find closure in their family’s past. Rena Effendi is empathetic by seeking beauty in the landscapes which have been impacted by war. While it may take its time to convey its themes, the experience never feels dull or stagnant thanks to the film's propulsive nature.

Lev Zhurbin, serving as the film's composer, delivers a mesmerising musical score that has a lightness and warmth to it, which elevates the moments of stillness and reflection. The cinematography is another astounding technical feat, in particular the use of drone photography to present the area of Azerbaijan incredibly. While the material is already powerful and affecting, the technical elements soar, making the experience even more rewarding. It's an incredibly impressive feat, particularly as a debut feature film, with an educational and thematically enriching narrative at its heart. The scenes of dialogue at times feel evasive and akin to a fly-on-the-wall experience, as it delves into raw material regarding revelations kept from Rena. She never shies away from the more bleak aspects of the subject matter. The documentary also explores interesting topics regarding the cross-border conflict as the two nations are locked in war, which is a pivotal aspect of the entire narrative in its backdrop.

While Rena covers a lot of ground within a 101-minute runtime, the piece begins to lose some steam towards the conclusion due to the material beginning to wear thin. It also slightly overstays its welcome; however, the experience is still consistently appealing throughout. The narrative concludes in an emotionally satisfying manner, granting closure for Rena, and the documentary may leave the viewer with a sense of awe and wonder due to her commitment to the project.

Searching for Satyrus is a wonderful piece of documentary filmmaking that conveys beauty, memory and conflict between nations. Rena Effendi, serving as the writer/director and the central figure of the project, does an incredible job of conveying profound themes that never shy away from the conflict between the two nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia at war. A beautifully shot and scored experience that may linger on the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.