Inside ‘The Eukrainian’: A Director’s Journey Through Ukraine’s Fight for Europe

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In this rephrased version:

Viktor Nordenskiöld’s Swedish-directed documentary titled “The Ukrainian” is set to have its world debut at CPH:DOX, a documentary festival held in Copenhagen. This film provides an intimate look into the life of Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister who plays a crucial role in the country’s efforts towards European integration. We had the opportunity to interview Nordenskiöld, and are excited to share its trailer with you here.

From 2022 to 2024, this documentary chronicles Stefanishyna’s journey as she confronts political obstacles following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The film focuses on her role in spearheading Ukraine’s attempt to join the European Union and NATO.

Or:

This documentary, produced from 2022 to 2024, narrates Stefanishyna’s struggle with political hurdles after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The film is centered around her efforts to lead Ukraine towards membership in the European Union and NATO.

In 2020, at the tender age of 34, Andriy Stefanishyna, an expert in EU law, climbed up the governmental ladder to take on the role of the principal designer of Ukraine’s aspirations towards Europe.

Or:

In 2020, when he was only 34 years old, Andriy Stefanishyna, who specializes in EU law, advanced through the ranks of the government to assume the position of Ukraine’s primary strategist for European goals.

The book titled “The Ukrainian” provides insights into the intricacies of European Union diplomacy, portraying Ukraine’s efforts to procure war-time assistance amidst resistance within the union, notably from Hungary. It also depicts their challenges in navigating a volatile global climate.

As the documentary progresses, it becomes evident that Stefanishyna’s struggle is not just about combating external adversaries but also internal ones within Ukraine. The journey towards reform in the country is marked by numerous obstacles, such as the ongoing fight against corruption and the crucial struggle to implement reforms that align with the stringent membership requirements of the union.

As a dedicated cinephile, I found myself instantly captivated by the tale of Stefanishyna, a figure who’s been in the Ukrainian limelight since the ’90s.

He shared with EbMaster, “I was confident she could bring this intricate narrative to life. She has such a captivating aura – she appears so effortlessly authentic through the camera lens. She’s deeply emotional and incredibly articulate in her expressions. Her passion shines through. Those traits make for a truly fascinating subject to film.

The film begins and ends with an emotionally impactful sequence: a tight camera focus captures Stefanishyna addressing her children personally, voicing her desire for them to live the lives they desire.

In his director’s note, Nordenskiöld states, “Many parents may recognize themselves in this situation.” However, the added context that she is the deputy prime minister of a nation embroiled in conflict, and one that has been invaded, intensifies the poignancy of her desire significantly.

When asked about his means of gaining such access, Nordenskiold shared, “From the start, I aimed for the movie to resemble a conversation between two mature individuals. Perhaps this is why Olha trusted me – because my aim was always to foster an open and honest dialogue. Now, keep in mind that this is my perspective on the situation, and they had no influence over the film’s production. However, I believe they grasped that my intention was to depict everything as truthfully as possible.

Beyond the political strife in Ukraine, Nordenskiöld anticipates that this movie will ignite a more comprehensive discussion about the future of Europe as a whole.

fundamentally, this movie explores our commitment to democracy – are we genuinely prepared to defend it? This query seems particularly pertinent in the present day. It’s about preserving a system founded on democratic principles against the increasing influence of authoritarian governments,” he shared with EbMaster.

Nordenskiold is known for creating films that highlight powerful women in leadership roles. Some of his past works include “The Feminister,” which focuses on former Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström, and “Behind the Swedish Model,” which spotlights former Swedish health minister Lena Hallengren.

He expressed his belief that women in leadership roles possess an extraordinary strength, yet they can also display profound emotions. This unique blend is not common, but some individuals truly embody it. Regarding the Ukrainian people, he was struck by their exceptional resilience.

As Malcolm Dixelius, the producer, refers to it as a “genuinely European” production, “The Ukrainian” is a joint venture involving Sweden (FreetownFilms), France (TAG Film), Belgium (Domino Production), Ukraine (2Brave Productions), and in collaboration with ARTE G.E.I.E., RTBF, SVT, and Umedia.

The film titled “The Ukrainian” is set to make its debut on March 24th at CPH:DOX. It will be contending for the F:act Award, a category that honors productions which skillfully combine documentary filmmaking with investigative journalism.

The festival kicks off today and runs in Copenhagen through March 30.

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2025-03-19 14:47