Can cinema help young people find their values? Can it provoke questions instead of giving ready-made answers? A film, paired with a glimpse into the mystery of directing, becomes more than moving images on a screen—it’s an idea that comes alive through light, sound, color, and even silence.
This was the essence of one of five special events held as part of the Souspilnist Foundation’s educational campaign, where we dove into the hidden world of filmmaking with Oles Sanin, director of Dovbush. At the Zhovten Cinema, we didn’t just watch a film—we reflected on it.
The making of Dovbush was not only an artistic but also a deeply research-driven process. Oles Sanin studied archives, historical documents, and both scholarly and artistic texts to capture the true spirit of the era. But this film isn’t a history textbook—it’s a dialogue with the audience.
“Did you notice the scene in Dovbush that references Da Vinci’s Last Supper? In the painting, Jesus is at the center. In my film, it’s Ivan, a man who has taken a life. Can they be compared? That’s the invitation to dialogue: Who is Dovbush? A hero—or not?” the director shared.
Another striking detail: the film is titled Dovbush, yet we see two brothers on screen. Whom does the audience see as the hero? How do people create their legends? Cinema isn’t just about storytelling. It’s a mirror—one that reflects our newly acquired skills and abilities.
Huge thanks to Oles Sanin for a powerful performance and for guiding us deep into history—and into ourselves. And to everyone who joined us—thank you for being open to new meanings and fresh perspectives. Keep building a strong MIL culture, watch films mindfully, ask questions, and seek your own answers.
We are grateful to our partners and colleagues for the inspiring collaboration!
The project is designed and implemented by the Souspilnist Foundations in cooperation with UNESCO Ukraine and with the support of 在ウクライナ日本国大使館 / Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. The project is part of UNESCO’s broader efforts to support the safety of journalists and freedom of speech in Ukraine.
