Ukraine’s Kateryna Gornostai Finds Hope in Berlinale Doc ‘Timestamp’: ‘This Generation Needs to Live’

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Ukrainian documentary filmmaker, Kateryna Gornostai, presents an argument for hope through her work titled “Timestamp,” which was screened at the Berlinale.

She shared that the movie is quite melancholic, yet it carries an undercurrent of optimism from these young characters and our resilient educational system. Despite the importance of portraying war, it was essential to exclude it from the film,” she explained to EbMaster.

In the heart of Berlinale’s main event, I found myself captivated by the film “Timestamp.” This compelling narrative delves into the lives of resilient Ukrainian students and educators who strive to preserve a semblance of normality amidst persistent perils and a seemingly dwindling global empathy towards their ordeal.

She expressed concerns about Donald Trump regaining the U.S. presidency. However, she admitted that compared to the tragedy of losing loved ones, that outcome seems insignificant at this point. Now, they’ve adopted a more accepting attitude and choose to simply watch events unfold.

Occasionally, encountering someone from Ukraine may leave you feeling overpowered. It’s important to note that such interactions can be challenging for others, and this might extend to our cinematic offerings as well. There’s a sense of weariness among viewers when it comes to engaging with issues that are prevalent in Ukrainian films, which could explain why they tend to receive less attention at film festivals.

Despite being “unconquerable,” the main characters persistently attend school, even as it shifts beneath the ground.

Upon learning about the schools within Kharkiv’s metro system, we rushed to take a look. Indeed, it seems these tales are true. It’s quite ironic, considering we have vast underground shelters due to the legacy of the Soviet Union and the Cold War,” she remarked.

Gornostai looked for teachers daring to honestly address their country’s situation.

She pointed out that the children are well aware due to the constant sound of air raid sirens each evening. It would be challenging to conceal the facts from them, she added, as some parents and educators attempt to do so by establishing a safe space within their homes, restricting political discussions when guests are present. However, once they leave for school, they encounter new routines such as the daily moment of silence at 9 a.m.

They also get to hear from those who experienced ongoing war first-hand.

In my youth, we’d often have visitors discussing the Second World War, which seemed incredibly distant. Now, it’s not just an older veteran who experienced it: it’s a young woman, and she’s personally involved in this contemporary conflict. They treat it with gravity. When they inquire, ‘Have you witnessed death?’, it’s no light matter. Death is something they truly encounter. Yet, for them, life milestones like prom and graduation are equally real.

The Russian invasion commenced shortly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented immense challenges for children. They were learning remotely and missed social interaction. However, just as they were finding their footing, a war erupted. Often, schools serve as sanctuaries for children. Unfortunately, they are unable to function unless equipped with shelters that can accommodate everyone, and teachers prioritize safety over instruction, halting classes during air raids. I present the principal of a partially destroyed school. As soon as it was safe, he reopened the school because children need this environment.

They need to “experience things together,” she stressed. But some can’t go back.

One main character can’t go back to school any longer because her city, Bakhmut, no longer exists – it has been completely devastated. Instead, she will graduate online, with her former classmates now living in various parts of the country or even overseas.

Gornostai dedicated the film to her late brother.

“He died when we were filming. He was really, really young,” she said.

At the start, he made up his mind to join the military. While I was recording these children, I’d occasionally catch glimpses of his face. It seemed as if I were seeing him in many different scenes, almost like a hallucination. He belongs to this generation and it seems like they need to experience life.

She found no reason to discuss the war with her youthful characters, seeing as they were immersed in it themselves.

A group of girls recently visited the river to create TikTok videos and chat. It’s been just a week since the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed, causing an environmental disaster that has led to numerous deaths and destroyed homes. However, they seemed unaware or unconcerned about it, discussing topics like prom, exams, and future university plans instead. They appeared to be eagerly anticipating the start of their adult lives. Consequently, she chose not to bring up the catastrophe.

I visited an art studio hidden beneath Kharkiv, managed by a fantastic instructor. Initially, I anticipated the children’s artwork would mirror the ongoing conflict. However, this was true only at first. He remarked: ‘Now, they wish to depict beautiful aspects of their lives.’ Hearing that filled me with joy. Perhaps these drawings, TikTok videos, and dances serve as exactly what we need during these challenging times.

The term “Timestamp” is created by Olha Bregman, Natalia Libet, and Victor Shevchenko under 2Brave Prods., and it’s also co-produced by Rinkel Film & Docs, a_Bahn, and Cinéphage Prods. The sales are managed by Best Friend Forever.

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2025-02-17 08:18