Ukrainian Filmmaker Turns Soldier: A Heartfelt Diary from the Frontlines

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Three years ago today, when Russian forces initiated a comprehensive attack on Ukraine, filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko (known for “Home Games” and “We Will Not Fade Away”) said goodbye to her partner and their four-year-old son and enlisted in the Ukrainian Volunteer Forces.

Swapping her camera for a rifle didn’t suppress her innate urge to record moments. Instead, what came out was “My Dear Theo,” an emotionally charged video diary intended for her son, which will debut in the main competition at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival (CPH:DOX) in March.

Kovalenko captured on camera her fellow soldiers’ moments of bonding and relaxation, such as their talks with their kids, giving us a unique, seldom-seen insight into life at the frontline. Over time, she also recorded her own phone calls with her son, who had sought safety in France with his father.

In a private conversation with EbMaster, I passionately express that documentaries serve as a direct path to one’s emotions. They foster a sense of unity and understanding, enabling viewers to connect deeply and feel empathy. My intention in creating this film was to reveal the human aspect behind the frontline, showcasing the love, compassion, and vulnerability that are often overlooked. Too many people still view soldiers as mere abstract figures in conflict, but the truth is, we’re all engaged in this fight – every single one of us is a soldier.

Following four months of service, she was confronted with a pivotal choice: commit long-term or head back home. She opted to complete the editing of “We Will Not Disappear,” a film portraying Ukrainian teenagers amidst the conflict in Donbas, which ultimately garnered numerous festival awards.

Kovalenko’s dedication to sharing Ukraine’s narrative is deeply rooted in her own experiences. As a skilled filmmaker with extensive background, she has been capturing Ukraine’s battles since the 2014 Maidan uprisings and the subsequent annexation of Crimea.

During filming in the Donbas region, she was held by a Russian checkpoint and experienced sexual abuse related to conflict, perpetrated by a Russian soldier. She remembers him saying, “Be grateful you’re still alive,” as he released her.

Today, she is a member of the Ukrainian chapter of SEMA (Solidarity for European Movement Against Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict), which forms part of an international network that assists survivors of sexual violence during wartime. This organization has the backing and support of Denis Mukwege, a Nobel laureate.

With “My Dear Theo” set for its grand debut, Kovalenko is diligently working on her upcoming venture titled “Traces,” a joint effort with Marysia Nikitchuk. This film delves into the largely ignored crisis of CRSV in Ukraine, an issue that has been clouded by stigma for quite some time now. “Since 2014, numerous instances have remained untold,” Kovalenko remarks. “My aim is to complete this project and offer support to the women who bravely survived.

Moving forward, she’s unsure about what lies ahead due to the unpredictability of the political maneuvers labeled as ‘Trump the peacemaker.’ It’s challenging to foresee any specific outcomes. However, if there aren’t any major changes on the frontline within the next few months of 2025, she plans to rejoin the army.

While her immediate worry goes beyond Ukraine, she expressed a sentiment similar to French President Emmanuel Macron when he described Trump as an “electric shock” for Europe. However, she questions whether Europe has the readiness to respond to this awakening.

In case we fail to experience this shared sense of unity, or if we don’t feel like we’re battling for the preservation of the principles of a refined, democratic society, or if we don’t realize that we are confronting absolute evil, then it won’t just be Ukraine that will suffer losses.

The film ‘My Dear Theo,’ a Haka Films project, is jointly produced by Moon Man and Ji.hlava & JB Films. Monica Hellström serves as executive producer, while the Polish Film Institute, Chicken & Egg Pictures, and Meadow Fund offer additional support. Kirsten Johnson provides mentorship for this production, thanks to the Chicken & Egg Award.

Stranger Films Sales is handling international sales.

CPH:DOX runs in Copenhagen from March 19 through 30.

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2025-02-24 14:17