Watching Shards of Light from the perspective of international criminal law
Wars leave behind societies deeply marked by violence. It often seems almost unimaginable how such experiences can ever be comprehensively addressed. And yet, concepts such as “reconciliation” and “reparation” play a central role in peace processes. But how can we speak about violence – and what avenues exist for confronting it? What does “coming to terms with violence” mean to those affected? And how does a society deal with perpetrators?
Together with the movie directors Mila Teshaieva and Marcus Lenz as well as an international criminal law expert, we will explore these questions. At the center is the film Shards of Light, which we will view from the perspective of international criminal law and use as a starting point for a critical discussion on the possibilities and limitations of (international) criminal justice. Shards of Light is a 2025 Ukrainian-German documentary film directed by Mila Teshaeva and Marcus Lenz, exploring life in the Ukrainian city of Bucha after the Russian invasion and occupation.
Watch the trailer here.
The panel discussion is part of the Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Festival and will be held following the screening of Shards of Light.The discussion will be moderated by Astrid Walter (International Nuremberg Principles Academy).
Further information can be found here and in the programme below and the festival magazine (in German). (aw)
