Italian
Unveiling the human stories behind ‘Missing’: A Ukrainian anthology series
A cinematic journey into the heart of loss and resilience
The Ukrainian production banner Film.UA, in collaboration with the Find Your Own Foundation, is set to launch an evocative anthology series titled “Missing”. This series delves into the harrowing reality of Ukrainians who have gone missing since the onset of the Russian invasion, shedding light on the profound impact these losses have had on their families.
The backdrop of conflict
Set against the brutal backdrop of war, “Missing” explores the lives of individuals whose stories of loss, hope, and determination unfold amidst chaos. Inspired by real-life experiences documented by the Find Your Own Foundation, founded by TV host Kateryna Osadcha, the series focuses on the thousands of everyday Ukrainians who have disappeared during the conflict. It also highlights the countless others, including children, who have been illegally deported, bringing personal stories to the forefront of the statistics.
A diverse directorial vision
The series boasts an impressive lineup of directors, each bringing their unique cinematic style to the project. The directors include:
- Natalka Vorozhbyt (Venice Critics’ Week selection “Bad Roads”)
- Iryna Tsilyk (Sundance prize winner “The Earth Is Blue as an Orange”)
- Christina Tynkevych (Locarno prize winner “How Is Katia?”)
- Yevhen Tunik (Beta Film’s “In Her Car”)
- Oleksii Taranenko (“I Work at the Cemetery”)
- Ivan Uryvskyi, a renowned theater director making his cinema debut with “The Witch of Konotop”
Each filmmaker will create their own characters and plotlines, directing episodes in their distinctive styles. The series spans diverse genres, from futuristic dystopias and intimate dramas to road movies, action-thrillers, and epic narratives. Despite the variety, all stories share a common theme: exploring resilience, hope, and the universal quest for closure in the face of loss.
The mission behind the series
Kateryna Osadcha, who also serves as a producer on “Missing”, emphasizes the importance of the series: “Our initiative, Find Your Own Foundation, began its mission to locate missing Ukrainians from the very first days of the full-scale invasion. Our team continues to work tirelessly to reunite families with their loved ones. It is crucial for us that the plight of missing children and adults due to this horrific war is known and remembered beyond our borders.”
Artistic reflections on war
Producer Anna Eliseeva, known for her work on the internationally acclaimed anthology series “Those Who Stayed”, brings her expertise to “Missing”. Eliseeva states, “Through the powerful narratives of ‘Missing’, we aim to illuminate the profound human experience of resilience, hope, and the unyielding quest for healing amidst the tumult of war. Each story crafted by our gifted team not only illuminates the diverse facets of war but also celebrates the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and understanding.”
A cross-media collaboration
In addition to the anthology series, “Missing” will feature a cross-media collaboration with the renowned band DakhaBrakha. Directed by Natalka Vorozhbyt, this collaboration will work in concert with the series’ narrative while also offering a standalone artistic expression that amplifies its thematic depth and visual storytelling.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts
For those who cherish the art of cinema and television, “Missing” promises to be a profound exploration of human resilience and the quest for closure. The series not only provides a platform for some of Ukraine’s finest directors to showcase their talents but also serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies that often get lost in the broader narrative of war.
As viewers, we are invited to witness these stories, to feel the weight of each loss, and to understand the enduring hope that drives those left behind. “Missing” is more than just a series; it is a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human experience amidst the darkest of times.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Missing Trailer.
Reflecting on the narratives within “Missing”, one can’t help but ponder the resilience of the human spirit. These stories, though born out of conflict, remind us of the enduring hope and determination that define us. As we engage with these tales, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and the universal quest for understanding and closure.
