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Songs of Slow Burning Earth: A cinematic journey through Ukraine’s turmoil
A new documentary captures the essence of war-torn Ukraine
The Venice Film Festival is set to showcase a poignant documentary, Songs of Slow Burning Earth, directed by the talented Ukrainian filmmaker Olha Zhurba. This film, acquired by the Prague-based sales outlet Filmotor, will be presented Out of Competition in the Official Selection.
An audiovisual diary of conflict
Described as an “audiovisual diary of Ukraine’s immersion into the abyss of the first two years of Russia’s full invasion,” the documentary offers a raw and immersive experience. It is composed of evocative places, occasional characters, sparse dialogues, and the haunting sounds and silences that chronicle the normalization of war. Against this backdrop of collective disaster, a new generation of Ukrainians strives to envision a future.
A visually stunning piece of cinema
Michaela Čajková from Filmotor expressed her admiration for the film, highlighting its long, well-crafted cinematic scenes. She noted, “It is a visually stunning piece of cinema that offers a sublime look at the full-scale invasion, presenting the acceptance of reality and the daily presence of war in the lives of Ukrainians, whether on the battlefield or in other parts of the country.”
A promising festival run
The world premiere at the Venice Film Festival marks a significant milestone for Songs of Slow Burning Earth. The film has already garnered interest from several European broadcasters, including SVT and DR, and is expected to attract more VOD and TV buyers. Co-produced by ARTE France, the documentary is poised for a strong festival run.
A collaborative production effort
Produced by Darya Bassel for Ukrainian production company Moon Man, the film is a collaborative effort involving Anne Köhncke from the six-time Oscar-nominated production company Final Cut for Real in Denmark, Kerstin Übelacker for We Have a Plan in Sweden, ARTE France, and Film i Skåne. Bassel emphasized the personal significance of the project, stating, “This film has always been more than just a project for our team; it has been our lifeline. It has helped us maintain our sanity, confront the horror our lives have become, and speak the truth.”
Supporting Ukrainian filmmaking
Songs of Slow Burning Earth is part of Generation Ukraine, an initiative by the ARTE group aimed at supporting the Ukrainian filmmaking industry by co-producing 12 documentaries. This initiative underscores the importance of preserving and promoting Ukrainian voices in the global cinematic landscape.
Olha Zhurba’s cinematic journey
Olha Zhurba’s feature debut, Outside, premiered at CPH:DOX and Hot Docs in 2022, winning the Willy Brandt Award at the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin and the Japan Prize Award of Honor. Zhurba has also contributed as an editor to notable documentaries such as This Rain Will Never Stop by Alina Horlova and Home Games by Alisa Kovalenko.
A personal reflection for cinema enthusiasts
For those passionate about cinema, Songs of Slow Burning Earth offers a profound exploration of the human condition amidst conflict. The film’s ability to capture the essence of war-torn Ukraine through its visual and auditory elements is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking. It invites viewers to reflect on the resilience and hope of a nation grappling with the harsh realities of war.
Discover more
To delve deeper into the world of Songs of Slow Burning Earth, you can watch the trailer and explore additional information about the film. This documentary is not just a cinematic experience but a powerful statement on the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
By weaving together personal reflections, in-depth analysis, and distinctive comments, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging perspective on Songs of Slow Burning Earth. The film’s portrayal of Ukraine’s struggle and resilience is a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in capturing the human experience.
