Displaced Filmmaker Shares Story of Exile in ‘Unerasable!’

The film *Unerasable!*, directed by the pseudonymous filmmaker Socrates Saint-Wulfstan Drakos, premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on February 4, 2023. This poignant work delves into themes of exile and memory, drawing from the harrowing experiences of its subject, known as CP, who fled violent repression in his Southeast Asian homeland. The film is a powerful exploration of personal survival intertwined with political struggles.

The documentary recounts CP’s journey from torture and persecution for his pro-democracy activism to seeking refuge in Thailand and eventually making his way to the West. Described by the IFFR as “a politically outspoken work,” *Unerasable!* confronts the harsh realities of civil liberties in authoritarian regimes, alongside the challenges faced in neoliberal Europe.

Drakos, who had a long-standing friendship with CP, revealed that their connection was abruptly severed in 2018 when CP disappeared from the filmmaking community. After years of silence, CP reached out in 2022 with a request for assistance on a film project. This marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to document the erasure of CP’s life story from collective memory.

In their discussions, Drakos was deeply affected by the severity of CP’s experiences. “I felt like my heart was broken,” he shared. “A part of his life was erased from the collective memory.” This realization motivated Drakos to capture CP’s journey on film, aiming to restore a sense of identity and dignity that had been stripped away.

The film features footage shot in various locations, including Thailand, Sweden, and CP’s home country. Drakos emphasizes that *Unerasable!* is not merely a provocative documentary but rather a reflective diary that incorporates found footage. This approach serves to emphasize the theme of memory recovery amidst censorship.

He explained, “The canvas of the film is very ruptured, very fragmented. It’s about tracing back memory in a land of censorship.” The film also includes experimental layers that reflect on the nature of exile and resistance, combining images from historical cinema to create a rich tapestry of meaning.

Working with a group known as Ear to the Earth, Drakos integrated experimental classical music that complements the film’s emotional depth. He described the collaboration as harmonious, stating that the musicians were able to translate his visions into soundscapes that echoed the film’s themes.

After the world premiere, CP viewed *Unerasable!* for the first time and was visibly moved. During a Q&A session, he shared that he cried multiple times while watching the film, particularly during scenes that depicted his family and his struggles with solitude. “It was someone telling exactly what he wanted to tell the world,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for the emotional resonance the film achieved.

Drakos chose his alias as a way to protect both himself and CP. The name Socrates resonated with him due to the philosopher’s commitment to truth, while Saint-Wulfstan and Drakos pay homage to his interest in Greek mythology. This strategic use of pseudonymity underscores the dangers faced by artists in repressive environments.

As *Unerasable!* continues to make its way through the film festival circuit, Drakos holds hope for CP’s healing process. “I hope he can move on better with his life,” he said, reflecting on the film’s potential impact not only on audiences but also on CP’s personal journey.

Through its intricate narrative and emotional depth, *Unerasable!* serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.