Home / Arts and Entertainment / Belarusian Model's Unexpected Morgue Encounter Sparks Transformative Journey
Belarusian Model's Unexpected Morgue Encounter Sparks Transformative Journey
9 Aug
Summary
- Belarusian model dreams of career in China, drawn to mysterious morgue worker
- Film developed from lives and experiences of its two lead actors, improvised with no script
- Directors faced logistical challenges filming in Belarus due to limited access
In August 2025, the new film "White Snail" premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, offering a rare glimpse into life in Belarus. The story follows a Belarusian model, Masha, who dreams of a career in China but finds herself drawn to Misha, a mysterious loner who works the night shift at a morgue. Their unexpected encounter unsettles Masha's sense of body, beauty, and mortality, leading to a fragile love story between two outsiders.
The film, an Austrian-German co-production, was developed based on the real-life experiences of its lead actors, Marya Imbro and Mikhail Senkov. Remarkably, the entire film was improvised, with no scripted dialogue. Directors Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter spent time with the actors, immersing themselves in their lives and perspectives to craft the story.
Producing the film in Belarus, however, presented significant logistical challenges. Due to limited direct access to the country, the crew had to navigate lengthy car rides and complex procedures, requiring multiple contingency plans. Despite these obstacles, the directors were able to capture a poignant moment in the lives of two young Belarusians, exploring themes of alienation and the uncertain future.
