SILENT LEGACY
“A fascinating work, particularly in how it provides us with a stark portrait of someone seeking a place called home, both literally and metaphorically.”
- Matthew Joseph Jenner / iCs - International Cinephile Society
Documentary film 2025 | 88 min | Finland, France, Burkina Faso | Directed by Jenni Kivistö & Jussi Rastas
Finnish title: Katseiden alla
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Sibiry, a contemporary dance choreographer from Burkina Faso now living in Finland, struggles with expectations from his original home country. Viewed as a privileged European back home yet an outsider in Finland, he longs to be seen as an equal.
Using both observational style and contemporary dance the documentary film explores identity, belonging, and colonial legacies. It sheds light on complex societal pressures faced by migrants, and finally, how the European filmmakers’ presence unintentionally affects the reality.
WATCH THE TRAILER
“Documentaries on migratory journeys to Europe abound. But those that explore the hidden side of exile, once arrived, are rare. Silent Legacy lifts the veil on this blind spot.”
- Malik Berkati / J:mag
DIRECTORS' WORD
In Europe, he is seen as “an African immigrant,” while in Africa he is viewed as “a privileged European.” 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.
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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.
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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.
“With tactful restraint and visual intuition, the production explores the protagonist [...] Alternating between naturalistic observation and surreal visuals, the enigmatic imagery reveals the omnipresent demands on people in the Diaspora.”- Lida Bach / Moviebreak
Interested in screening the film?
Silent Legacy is available for festival screenings and thematic discussions around migration, identity, equality and contemporary dance.​ 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
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We are happy to provide further information, materials and support for organising a meaningful screening experience.