On the other side

Directed by Robin Veret, this short film "On the Other Side" was completed after two years of filming, with over 30 crew members collaborating closely. Set against the backdrop of World War I, it tells the story of a detachment of French soldiers being held back by a German sniper. Their commander is willing to exchange a life for the elimination of this threat... At the beginning, a soldier hesitates to check the situation in the enemy trench, leading to the death of a comrade shot by the sniper. The brutality of war strikes so quickly, pulling us immediately into the plot. Subsequently, the French commander gains the soldier's trust through conversation, using him as bait to lure the sniper. Just when the commander has the perfect opportunity to shoot the sniper, he hesitates. He is unsure of what would sustain him in this trench if the enemy is dead. What causes the commander to hesitate in front of the enemy? What prevents him from pulling the trigger at such a critical moment? As we reflect on the commander's actions, we are also reflecting on the futility of this war. War causes standoffs; both sides fight for their countries, for so-called honor, driven merely by primal fear, living in constant unease, where the threat from the enemy is the only motivation to survive. When you understand this film and grasp this sorrow, you will understand why the commander did not fire his gun.