The documentary 'To Die to Live' offers a profound and deeply personal exploration of the Ukrainian experience during a prolonged and devastating conflict. This film, directed by Yuliia Hontaruk, follows the journeys of three Ukrainian volunteers, Shakhta, Dancer, and Potter, who dedicate themselves to the army's cause in Eastern Ukraine. The narrative spans 12 years, from the initial frontlines in 2014 to the ongoing challenges of post-war life and the recent Russian invasion in 2022.
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is Hontaruk's unique perspective. Initially, she believed she was making a film about the war itself, but as the story unfolded, she realized it was about something far more profound. The Minsk agreements and the volunteers' return home marked the beginning of a transformative journey, revealing the long-lasting impact of war on individuals and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Hontaruk's statement highlights the film's evolution: "What began as a portrait of conflict became something I never expected: a film about transformation, about the long and difficult road back to oneself, about how stubbornly life insists on continuing even in the shadow of death." This perspective shift is crucial, as it emphasizes the film's focus on the internal struggles and personal growth of the volunteers rather than the external conflict.
The documentary's cinematography, edited by Denys Strashnyi, Yurii Gruzinov, and Hontaruk herself, captures the raw and emotional reality of the volunteers' lives. The editing team, including Roman Liubyi, Uģis Olte, Mykola Bazarkin, Iryna Stetsenko, Pavlo Zelenov, Petro Tsymbal, and Hontaruk, skillfully weaves together the various threads of the narrative, ensuring a cohesive and impactful viewing experience.
Despite the film's delicate and emotionally charged nature, Hontaruk emphasizes its life-affirming message. She states, "Because despite everything, despite all the loss and rupture and years of waiting, life has proven itself stronger than death. Again and again, I men choose it. That is the film I set out to make, even when I didn’t know it yet."
'To Die to Live' serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring nature of life, even in the darkest of times. It invites viewers to reflect on the profound impact of war and the transformative power of personal journeys, offering a unique and intimate perspective on a global crisis.
