Post-Soviet Extractivism

The essayistic experimental documentary “Stone of Hell” (dir.: Tekla Aslanishvili, Giorgi Gago Gagoshidze) follows the extraction, processing, and distribution of manganese. Considering this raw material the foundation for different modes of production (binding cultural, extractive, and arms industries together and powering technological advancements), the film exposes how the post-Soviet mining town of Chiatura, in west Georgia, is globally interconnected and how these entanglements are feeding into current conflicts – political, economic, and social ones. The artist talk – hosted by Magdalena Taube – took place on the closing night of the “After Extractivism” conference. Recorded at Haus der Demokratie und Menschenrechte, you can listen to the proceedings by pressing the play-button above. More info: https://after-extractivism.berlinergazette.de