Nova Ukraine Film Night: Awoken by War, working title (final title: Flowers Beyond the Dark)

By Jordi Rozenman

The full-length documentary Awoken by War, working title (final: Flowers Beyond the Dark) stands out for many reasons from a filmmaking perspective, including its proximity to war in both timing and location, and its female, Kyiv-based director Iryna Pravylo. But the film would have been outstanding and singular regardless of any technical factors, because its content is outstanding and singular: Ukrainian resilience in the face of the massive, unprovoked attack by russian forces four times larger than their own military. Iryna Pravylo explains, “in Spring of 2022, right after the region of Kyiv was deoccupied, my collaborator Oleksandr Mesheryakov and I set out to document the evidence of russian crimes. Despite the danger of large areas being mined, we worked in Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, Horenka, Borodyanka, and Babynci. We knew that the focus had to be on humans and their personal stories.”

Two years on, we cannot forget that the absolutely astounding effectiveness of Ukrainian resilience is due to those personal stories. As co-producer of the film Yulia Zimmermann puts it, “As the interest and empathy for Ukrainian people and russia’s war on Ukraine continue to decrease, it’s very important to seek new compelling ways to engage the international community. Cinema, especially documentaries, is a powerful source of truth and inspiration to care.” We should pause a moment during 2024 to recall our shock upon hearing that russia had invaded – but we should take the next moment to remember our astonishment that Ukraine did not fall almost immediately. Absurdly, we take Ukraine’s resilience for granted now because two years have passed and the indomitable country is still fighting: this is nothing short of both a miracle and a tragedy, and Awoken by War reminds us of both sides of that coin. As time passes and we dangerously begin to accept this state of war as just another piece of the current geopolitical puzzle, we need any reminders we can get both that the human cost of the invasion is brutal and devastating, and that not a single one of us imagined that Ukraine could still be actively fighting for its freedom for this long against the size and might of the russian military. 

What we couldn’t have possibly counted on – what putin didn’t count on – is the courage, the capability, and the sheer will of the Ukrainian people to protect things worth protecting. The inspiration the world has felt watching the Ukrainian response unfold cannot be forgotten. The documentary’s title is apt. Ukraine, awoken in the worst of ways in 2022, has not been able to shut its eyes since; the world was awoken for several months, maybe even longer, but we are falling back asleep. Zimmermann points out that “people won’t watch the news, but they will go see films.” It’s a necessity to do so, to avoid the so-called normalization of such a catastrophe, one that puts every democracy in the world at risk. In 2024 any ground war is also a war of misinformation, more than ever before, and one way to fight that kind of attack is by honoring the lives of the innocent people living through this horror every day. “We had to shoot quickly,” Pravylo notes, “to capture all the raw and honest emotions of the people who returned to deoccupied Kyiv.“

On February 24, 2024, the Polish Club of San Francisco welcomed more than 100 people to screen work-in-progress materials from Awoken by War (Flowers Beyond the Dark) to commemorate the two-year mark of russia’s invasion. It was wonderful and heartwarming to see so many people show up and show support for Ukraine. The event and the film materials were a huge success and Nova Ukraine looks forward to spreading the word about this incredible documentary as widely as possible. As soon as the world premiere of the film takes place, watch it and wake up. 

Anton:
When I realized the film was taking place in Bucha, I immediately got goosebumps together with paralyzing terror.
The woman that was drawing with watercolors imprinted a feeling of resilience on me. The way she was drinking coffee with walnuts after she survived an occupation, was giving hope and inspiring strength. The soldiers managing to find a way to smile and even laugh under enormous pressure inspired me to be more active in this global fight against the Russian threat. It was a reminder that we can’t rest until this war is over and Ukrainian sons can reunite with their loved ones.
Overall, I truly appreciated seeing the point of views from different people of drastically different backgrounds. For the duration of the film it almost felt like I was talking to them in person. I really liked how this film takes different pacing from “20 Days in Mariupol”. It creates additional angle / perspective for the audience.

Alona:
It’s a very emotional and powerful film, told from 3 different perspectives / angles. I highly recommend that you find the time and opportunity to see it, once it is released to the general public; bring your friends and coworkers to help them understand what is really happening in Ukraine, and what pure evil putin and his regime are.

Larry:
I found this film to be very beautifully captivating and an eye-opening reminder that this war/fight is STILL going. The resilience and strength of the people showcased in this film along with their stories really touched a part of me that inspires me to not only really feel WITH them, but empowers me to DO SOMETHING as this fight continues. In my eyes this film definitely does what it is supposed to do by putting the viewers in the settings/spaces of the ones affected by this war and definitely left an impact of emotions that really connected me empathetically. The beauty, bravery, and resilience showcased in this film sincerely touched my heart and put a stamp on me to NEVER forget and continue to ALWAYS stand for what’s right.

This year, Nova Ukraine aims to rouse people out of their slumbers on a regular basis with Nova Ukraine Film Nights. Once a month, we hope to bring you a dose of powerful cinema meant to connect you to the rich culture and history of Ukraine. War films will be included, as will thrillers, histories, and comedies. Join us at one of three locations (the Polish Club of San Francisco, 3Below Theaters in San Jose, or Landmark’s Aquarius Theatre in Palo Alto) to laugh, cry, and learn. Discounted tickets will be offered. More information, as it becomes available, can be found at novaukraine.org.

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