The Mark of Cain

Basra, 2003. Two long-time friends, Shane and Mark, soldiers in the British army, go through their first combat mission. Face to face with the dangerous reality, the two are dragged into horrific events in which they play a very questionable role. Once home, their actions in that role come to light on account of photos Shane brought home as a dubious trophy. The shocking evidence of what they did in Iraq provokes a thunderous wave of reactions in their families and among the public, and both soldiers are forced with far-reaching results to reconstruct their actions... This story of two soldiers, which is based on true events, gave the director a platform for a reflection on whether the British army was psychologically and emotionally prepared for such a demanding campaign. The story was based on interviews with servicemen with experience in Iraq and on a wide range of material. In light of its explosive subject matter, the film's release was postponed until the court martial of the story's real participants concluded. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)