SILENT LEGACY (Finnish title: Katseiden alla)
★★★★★
“Maybe the best documentary about migrants I’ve ever seen. [...] Fresh, sensitive, honest, unpretentious, wise and precise — yet surprisingly relaxed and even humorous in its portrayal of humanity.”
– Kulttuuritoimitus (Finnish cultural magazine)
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
SILENT LEGACY
★★★★
“A beautiful, impressionistic documentary composed of fleeting moments.”
- Helsingin Sanomat (largest newspaper in Finland)
“A fascinating work… woven together to create something unique and thought-provoking. A meaningful portrait of a truly fascinating artist.”
- Matthew Joseph Jenner / International Cinephile Society
Documentary film 2025 | 88 min | Finland, France, Burkina Faso | Directed by Jenni Kivistö & Jussi Rastas
Finnish title: Katseiden alla
In Europe, he is seen as “an African immigrant”; in Africa, as “a privileged European.” After ten years in Finland, contemporary dancer and choreographer Sibiry begins to long for a deeper connection to his home village in Burkina Faso. Yet unrealistic expectations weigh heavily on his shoulders, as friends and relatives keep calling to ask for financial help.
The film follows an artist who seeks to tackle inequality — with nothing but a humble minibus — in order to regain a sense of belonging. It explores the identity and position of a migrant living between two contrasting realities, where colonial legacies still prevail. The film combines observational cinema and contemporary dance created for the film in collaboration with the protagonist.
DIRECTORS' WORD
We believe this film can offer a unique window into the little-known reality of migrants, where expectations, hopes, perceptions, and one’s own identity intertwine under the pressure of two very different worlds.
It is fascinating to understand how complex a migrant’s relationship with their country of origin can be — a bond that can be both a burden and an important source of strength. Finding genuine connection can at times be challenging in a world shaped by inequality and the lingering legacy of colonialism.
Sibiry’s inspiring and determined character, along with his ability to dream boldly, ties into a central global dilemma: in an increasingly unequal world where states fail to address disparities, migrants are often forced to search for — and create — solutions themselves.
“Alternating between naturalistic observation and surreal visuals, the enigmatic imagery reveals the omnipresent demands on people in the Diaspora.”
- Lida Bach / Moviebreak
“The hybrid nature of the documentary is particularly successful. [...] The film extends out into a rumination on colonialism and its legacy.”
- Amber Wilkinson / Eye for Film
Interested in screening the film?
Silent Legacy is available for festival screenings and thematic discussions around colonialism, migration, identity and inequality. If you would like to screen the film at a film festival, please contact: info@rainafilms.com For all other screenings — including companies, cultural organisations, universities, community groups, institutions and special events — please reach out to: contact@vakifilms.com
We are happy to provide further information, materials and support for organising a meaningful screening experience.