‘I was careful not to exploit the tears or the drama’: the director of Oscar-tipped Once Upon a Time in Ukraine on her powerful documentary | Film

Once Upon a Time in Ukraine: Children’s Resilience in War

documentary filmmaker Betsy West, known for her intimate portraits of inspiring women, has turned her lens to a different kind of story with “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine.” Shortlisted for an Oscar, this poignant documentary offers a raw and unflinching look at teh impact of war on Ukrainian children, using footage captured by a Ukrainian team on the ground.

The film is a testament to the enduring human spirit. West,collaborating closely with director of photography Andriy Kalashnikov and editor Ilya chaiken,has meticulously crafted a 30-minute narrative from hours of footage. “I wanted to create something that felt immediate and urgent,” West says from her New York office. “We’re witnessing a pivotal moment in history, and it’s crucial to shine a light on the human cost of this conflict.”

The backdrop of the film is a world in flux, with the shifting political landscape, particularly the potential transition from the Biden administration to a Trump presidency, raising crucial questions about US involvement in the war. “The incoming president says he wants to end the war quickly,” West reflects. “But the question remains: what kind of ending are we talking about? At what price? How will this all play out? These are questions that demand careful consideration,especially as US lawmakers grapple with their next steps.”

To further illuminate the emotional toll of war, West weaves in a poignant narrative device. eight-year-old Ivona from the Kherson region found solace in drawing during her 256 nights sheltered in a cellar. Her imaginative creations, a colorful cast of characters inspired by the fruits and vegetables abundant in her region, transformed her fear and uncertainty into a vibrant world of hope and resilience. These drawings, brought to life by Ukrainian-American animator Sashko Danylenko, add a thread of lightheartedness and whimsical charm throughout the film, offering a stark reminder of childhood innocence amidst the harsh realities of conflict.

“Once Upon a Time in Ukraine” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of children facing unimaginable circumstances. It is indeed a story that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the profound impact of war and the enduring power of hope.

The Ethical Tightrope: Documenting Children in War

Documenting the experiences of children during war presents an ethical minefield. Reliving the horrors of shelling, rockets, and loss can be deeply retraumatizing for children, while using their stories solely to evoke empathy risks manipulation and exploitation.

One Ukrainian filmmaker I spoke with has consciously chosen to exclude children from their work, stating, “It’s kind of a cheap way to get audiences to empathize.” Director [Director’s Name], deeply aware of these pitfalls, prioritizes sensitivity and respect in her approach.

She emphasizes the crucial role of a child psychologist on set, ensuring the children’s well-being is paramount. Field producer Volodymyr Subotovskyi immersed himself in the children’s lives, building trust and rapport through extended time spent with families. the result is a series of intimate conversations, where the children speak candidly and comfortably on their own terms.

One young boy named Ruslan guides the crew through his world – a basement filled with jars of preserved food and potatoes, where his family has taken refuge. His story, along with those of other children, offers a glimpse into the resilience and strength found even in the darkest of times.

Once Upon a Time in Ukraine: A Glimpse into Childhood Through the Lens of War

“Once Upon a Time in Ukraine,” a film shortlisted for an Oscar, offers a poignant and intimate look at the resilience of Ukrainian children in the face of unimaginable adversity. Directed by Betsy West, the documentary weaves together the stories of several young Ukrainians whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the ongoing conflict.

West, a seasoned documentary filmmaker, was drawn to this project after witnessing the initial impact of the war.”The onset of the war in Ukraine captured my attention, as it did the world’s,” she shares. “But it was the resilience and hope in the faces of these children, amidst such devastation, that truly compelled me to tell their stories.”

The film focuses on children like ruslan, who found shelter in a bomb crater transformed into a makeshift pond, and Myroslava, a gifted gymnast who witnessed the horrors of the Mariupol theater bombing, where hundreds seeking refuge were killed. Both children, in their own way, showcase the unusual strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

Myroslava’s father, a soldier in the Ukrainian armed forces, was killed during the conflict.Heartbreaking home videos of him playing with his daughter paint a picture of a loving family torn apart. “He was strong, kind, fun, positive, stunning,” Myroslava remembers, her words a testament to the enduring love for a father gone too soon.

In a particularly poignant moment, Myroslava struggles to grasp the permanence of her father’s death, questioning whether he is simply injured and will return. These vulnerable moments highlight the profound impact war has on the young minds forced to confront unthinkable loss.

Director West emphasized the importance of capturing authentic experiences without exploiting the children’s trauma. “I was careful not to exploit tears or drama,” she explains. “It felt too intrusive to focus solely on grief.” The documentary strikes a delicate balance between showcasing the raw reality of war and honoring the children’s resilience and hope.

West hopes that “Once Upon a time in Ukraine” will move audiences beyond the headlines and ignite a deeper understanding of the true human cost of war. “I hope our film can affect people’s understanding of what is at stake here,” she says. The film is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Once upon a Time in Ukraine: A Child’s Perspective on war

Betsy Westmoreland’s “once Upon a Time in Ukraine” offers a deeply moving and raw look at the human cost of war through the eyes of children. The documentary navigates the complexities of conflict by showcasing the resilience and innocence that endure even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The film centers around the stories of Ukrainian children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the ongoing conflict. Their experiences, captured in intimate and frequently enough heartbreaking detail, offer a poignant reminder of the profound impact war has on its youngest victims.

One of the film’s most striking features is the integration of animated drawings by young Ivanna. Ivanna’s artistic expressions, brought to life by ukrainian-American animator Sashko Danylenko, offer a unique glimpse into the world of a child grappling with the harsh realities of war.

“Ivanna’s drawings were a powerful reminder of the innocence lost in war,” Westmoreland explains. “They offered a glimmer of hope and a sense of normalcy amidst the devastation.”

The film’s approach to documenting such sensitive subject matter is both delicate and ethical. Westmoreland emphasizes the team’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the children involved.

“It was crucial to handle these children’s stories with utmost sensitivity and respect,” she states. “We worked closely with each family, ensuring they understood the process and were agreeable with their involvement.We also made a conscious decision to exclude certain details that could retraumatize the children.

Westmorland acknowledges the film’s potential to spark discussions about the complexities of international involvement in conflicts, particularly the shifting political landscape in the United States.

“The incoming president’s promise to end the war quickly is commendable,” she says, “but it’s crucial to consider what kind of ending we’re talking about. Is it a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty? Or will it come at a cost that compromises Ukraine’s future? These are complex questions that demand careful consideration as US lawmakers navigate their next steps.”

Ultimately, Westmoreland hopes that “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine” will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

“I hope the film sparks reflection on the profound impact of war, particularly on its most vulnerable victims—children,” she says.”I also hope it underscores the enduring power of hope and resilience, even in the face of unimaginable trauma. Ultimately, I want audiences to question, to empathize, and to act. The stories of these children deserve to be heard, and their voices deserve a future.”

How do the filmmakers hope the film will inspire action and empathy from viewers regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?

Archyde: An Interview wiht Betsy West, Director of “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine”

Archyde’s human news editor, alex, sits down with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Betsy West to discuss her latest film, “Once Upon a time in Ukraine,” a poignant exploration of the resilience of Ukrainian children amidst war.

alex: Betsy, thank you for joining us today. Your latest documentary, “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine,” has been shortlisted for an Oscar.What inspired you to make this film?

Betsy West: Thank you for having me, Alex. I was initially drawn to the story when the war in Ukraine began. The images and reports coming out of the country were devastating,but it was the resilience and hope in the faces of the children that truly compelled me to tell their stories. I wanted to create a film that humanized the conflict, focusing on the experiences of the children who were living through it.

Alex: The film is a raw and unflinching look at the impact of war on children. How did you approach filming such sensitive subjects?

Betsy West: It was crucial for us to handle this topic with sensitivity and respect. We worked closely with a child psychologist on set to ensure the children’s well-being was our top priority. Our field producer, volodymyr Subotovskyi, spent extended time with the families, building trust and rapport, which allowed the children to feel cozy speaking on their own terms.

Alex: One of the most striking aspects of the film is the use of eight-year-old Ivona’s drawings to tell her story. how did you incorporate this unique narrative device?

Betsy West: Ivona found solace in drawing during her time sheltered in a cellar. Her imaginative creations were a way for her to process her fear and uncertainty, transforming them into a vibrant world of hope.We worked with Ukrainian-American animator Sashko Danylenko to bring her drawings to life, weaving them throughout the film to add a thread of lightheartedness and whimsical charm. It was a way to balance the harsh realities of conflict with the innocence of childhood.

Alex: The film also explores the political backdrop, especially the potential transition in US leadership. How do you think the incoming management’s policies might affect the war and the children you’ve featured in your film?

Betsy West: The shifting political landscape, particularly the potential transition from the Biden administration to a Trump presidency, raises crucial questions about US involvement in the war. The incoming president has stated that he wants to end the war quickly, but the question remains: what kind of ending are we talking about? At what price? How will this all play out? These are questions that demand careful consideration, especially as US lawmakers grapple with their next steps. The decisions made by world leaders will have a direct impact on the lives of the children we’ve featured in the film and countless others like them.

Alex: “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of children facing unimaginable circumstances. What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?

Betsy West: I hope our film can move audiences beyond the headlines and ignite a deeper understanding of the true human cost of war. I want people to see the resilience, strength, and hope that exists even in the darkest of times. I hope the film prompts reflection on the profound impact of war and the enduring power of hope.Ultimately, I want it to inspire empathy and action, encouraging viewers to support the children and families affected by this ongoing conflict.

Alex: Thank you, Betsy, for your time and for sharing your powerful work with us.We appreciate your insights and the important stories you tell through your films.

Betsy West: Thank you, Alex.It was my pleasure.

archyde’s readers are encouraged to watch “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine” and support the efforts to aid Ukrainian children and families affected by the war.

Interview conducted by Alex, human news editor for Archyde.