"The Things That Should Not Be"
The documentary depicts the stories of children who had never known the word "war" until February 24th. They shared the terrifying events they had to endure: shelling, occupation, cold, and hunger. Their lives were divided into before and after. "The Things That Should Not Be" portrays war through the eyes of innocent children.
"Nine Lives"
When the Russian army invaded Ukrainian territory, people hurriedly left Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Many, at their own risk, left their pets behind, thinking they would return in a few days. But days turned into weeks, and the animals' food and water supplies ran out. That's when volunteers came to the aid of the four-legged creatures.
'Nine Lives' is a film about people who didn't leave, but stayed to rescue those who are weaker and cannot protect themselves. It's about heroes who refused to leave animals in zoos and shelters even during the most intense shelling.
The creators of the film aim to tell the story of a free, independent, and compassionate nation through tales of animal rescue, highlighting the importance of every life, whether it's a soldier, neighbor, elder, child, or pet. Ukrainians rescue both their own and others' animals, while these four-legged creatures help preserve people's sanity in the inhumane conditions that everyone found themselves in after February 24th.
"Between the Sky and the Mountains."
In 2020, the world faces the threat of a pandemic from a new and unknown coronavirus. Meanwhile, the mountain village of Kolochava in Transcarpathia continues its everyday life, as its people are accustomed to facing difficulties constantly. The village's only ambulance station and four female paramedics continue to operate in their usual mode.
Maria, Tetiana, Anna, and Svitlana have been working at the ambulance station for many years and live in the same village. Most of the calls now, as before the pandemic, are diseases that haven't disappeared: people continue to suffer from serious illnesses, which become even more dangerous in overcrowded COVID hospitals.
Residents of the village are born, get married, celebrate... and eventually die. Life is too short to pause it. It seems like this life cycle will last forever, but will they be able to survive if the next pandemic becomes deadlier? Life in the village goes on, and the ambulance workers are always ready to help.
Documentary film: "TSUM Kyiv: 80 Years"
To mark TSUM's 80th anniversary, the department store's team presented the documentary film "TSUM 80," in which cultural figures, historians, designers, and representatives of the modern team unveil the secrets of their work and explain how the Kyiv TSUM became what we know today.
The idea for the film emerged in February 2019 when, on the occasion of the department store's anniversary, the team decided to recreate one of its showcases from the mid-60s. It was then that archival photos and memories of former employees were discovered. Delving into history, we decided to present the found materials in a multimedia format.
The documentary film "TSUM 80" will be of interest to anyone who loves Kyiv, is interested in history, architecture, fashion, and retail.
Working on this project as a colorist was a very enjoyable experience for me.
Director: Pavel Kildau
Director of Photography: Eugene Kirey
Screenwriter: Yaroslav Korotkov
Editing: Oleksandr Nedbayev
Producer: Patriciia Kuznetsova
"How we became volunteers"
Spring 2014. Ukraine is attacked by the forces of the Russian Federation. Alongside the military, civilians - volunteers from the Maidan - were the first to confront the enemy. Who were they? What were their ideals and values? Why did they exchange their peaceful civilian lives for the harsh military experience?
Directors: Larisa Artyugina, Olexandra Chupryna
Cinematographers: Ilya Yegorov, Vyacheslav Tsvetkov
Sound: Andriy Nidzelsky
Colorist: Valentyn Vernyhor
“Winter on fire”
"Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom" is a gripping documentary that provides a raw and intense portrayal of the 2013-2014 Ukrainian revolution. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, the film takes viewers on a journey through the tumultuous events that unfolded in Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) during the winter months.
The documentary captures the essence of the revolution by focusing on the voices and experiences of the ordinary people who participated in the protests. Through firsthand accounts, emotional interviews, and stunning footage captured on the ground, "Winter on Fire" immerses viewers in the heart of the action, allowing them to witness the courage, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people as they rise up against oppression and fight for their freedom.
One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is its portrayal of the power of collective action and solidarity. Despite facing violent crackdowns from riot police and armed forces, the protesters in Maidan Nezalezhnosti remained united in their cause, drawing strength from each other as they endured freezing temperatures, tear gas, and brutality in their quest for justice and democracy.
Moreover, "Winter on Fire" sheds light on the role of social media and citizen journalism in shaping the narrative of the revolution. With the widespread use of smartphones and social networking platforms, ordinary citizens became citizen journalists, capturing and sharing images and videos of the protests in real-time, bypassing traditional media channels and galvanizing support both domestically and internationally.
Through its powerful storytelling and visceral imagery, "Winter on Fire" not only chronicles a pivotal moment in Ukraine's history but also serves as a universal testament to the human spirit and the enduring quest for freedom and dignity. By bearing witness to the sacrifices and triumphs of the Ukrainian people, the documentary inspires audiences to reflect on the importance of democracy, human rights, and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.
Available on Netflix