Mario Pfeifer's film 'Wutame / Caché' at HKW Berlin explores Cameroonian fighters for Russia in Ukraine war

The film 'Wutame / Caché' by Mario Pfeifer showcases two unidentified men from Cameroon who enlisted with Russia to fight in Ukraine. This work is part of the 'Tirailleurs' exhibition at Berlin's Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW). It delves into the ongoing impact of colonial violence in modern warfare. One individual, who initially traveled to Russia for education, underwent military training, while the other, a former mercenary, faced deception and abuse. Both ultimately deserted, returning with deep psychological scars. To safeguard their identities, Pfeifer utilized voice alteration and visual editing after conducting extensive interviews in Cameroon, a country where such discussions are sensitive. His intention is to provoke dialogue and convey personal narratives rather than present forensic details, linking historical colonial exploitation to today's recruitment for Russia's military efforts.