“Towards the light”, interview with director Vadim Kostrov

October 28, 2025

Vadim Kostrov, director of "Towards the light", captures exile, memory, and resilience, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the universal quest for belonging.

"Towards the light", interview with director Vadim Kostrov Cristiana Palmieri

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Towards the Light: A Personal Diary of Exile and Hope

“Towards the Light” is a deeply personal documentary that delves into themes of exile, loss, and hope. Directed by Vadim Kostrov, the film reflects his own experience of settling into a new land after fleeing Russia during the Ukraine conflict. Shot largely in Paris, the film captures intimate moments of disorientation and the search for belonging.

Symbolism and Light as Emotional Guides

Kostrov uses light as a potent symbol throughout “Towards the Light”. Filming during sunny days, he associates sunlight with moments of clarity, hope, and remembrance. The interplay of illuminated scenes and darker sequences reflects the emotional spectrum of exile, from feelings of loss to glimpses of resilience. This deliberate use of lighting adds depth and universality to the narrative.

Themes of Exile and Collective Memory

The film intertwines personal memories with historical references, paying homage to artists and philosophers exiled from Russia in the early 20th century, like Natalia Goncharova. Cemeteries and graves featured prominently, serving as tangible links to the past and collective history. Kostrov aims to evoke empathy and understanding, encouraging audiences globally to recognize the ongoing struggles of displaced peoples.

A Reflection of Hope and Resilience

“Towards the Light” ultimately conveys a message of persistence amid hardship. Despite feelings of disconnection, the film underscores the resilience to find beauty and hope in new realities.

Plot

Shot on Mini DV and mostly in Paris, Towards the Light is a personal diary of exile. Through images of light, landscapes and memory, the film captures a year (2023) of reflective solitude in exile for Russian filmmaker Vadim Kostrov and his wife, artist Natasha Goncharova. A poetic meditation on displacement, loss and the search for light through darkness.

Written by: Cristiana Palmieri

Guest

Vadim Kostrov

Film

Towards the light

Festival

Doclisboa International Film Festival

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“Towards the light”, interview with director Vadim Kostrov

Vadim Kostrov, director of "Towards the light", captures exile, memory, and resilience, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the universal quest for belonging.