As Deutschlandfunk reports, a feature film about the war has started in Ukrainian cinemas, inspired by reality. The action thriller deals with the topic of the war in Ukraine and draws on real events. The film, whose title is not mentioned, has been running in cinemas across the country since recently.
It is among the first feature films to directly address the current war in Ukraine. The production of the film took place under difficult conditions, as many filming locations and infrastructures are affected by the war. Deutschlandfunk further reports that the film is attracting great interest from audiences.
The plot of the action thriller is based on real events, without exactly recreating specific historical events. The film shows the effects of the war on civilians and soldiers. According to Deutschlandfunk, the director and screenwriter of the film are Ukrainian filmmakers who have experienced the war themselves.
The film was produced with support from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. The premiere took place in Kyiv, where much of the filming also took place. Deutschlandfunk quotes the director as saying: "We wanted to show what war is really like – without embellishment, but also without unnecessary glorification of violence." The film has a runtime of about two hours and is rated for ages 16 and up.
In the first days after its release, cinemas reported high occupancy rates, according to Deutschlandfunk. The film is also being marketed internationally, with initial screenings planned in European countries. Deutschlandfunk reports that the film is seen as an important contribution to the cultural processing of the war.
Critics praise the authentic portrayal and the acting performances. The film is part of a series of Ukrainian productions dealing with the war. More films are in planning.
Deutschlandfunk notes that the film is also set to be shown at festivals abroad. Production costs amounted to several million euros, according to Deutschlandfunk, partly financed through donations. The film is also intended to help draw international attention to the war in Ukraine.
Deutschlandfunk concludes by reporting that the film is being controversially discussed on social media, with opinions ranging from enthusiasm to criticism of the portrayal.
