A family vacation interrupted: A cinematic reflection on war and helplessness
A holiday turned upside down
Imagine a serene family vacation in the Canary Islands, where the sun is shining, and the atmosphere is filled with joy. This is the setting for the Ukrainian family of four—Roman Lutskyi, Anastasiia Karpienko, Sofiia Berezovska, and Fedir Pugachov—until their world is abruptly shattered by the onset of war. Trapped in their luxurious hotel, they find themselves surrounded by other guests who remain blissfully unaware, continuing their festivities as if nothing has changed.
The inspiration behind ‘Under the Volcano’
Director Damian Kocur’s latest film, Under the Volcano, premiering at Toronto, draws from a poignant real-life scenario. “The starting point was a newspaper article about Ukrainians caught off guard by the war while vacationing in Madagascar,” Kocur explains. This narrative resonated deeply with him, reflecting his own feelings of helplessness during the early days of the conflict. “I felt compelled to react, and writing the script was the only way I knew how.”
A world divided by awareness
For Kocur’s characters, the world has irrevocably changed overnight. Yet, for the other hotel guests, life continues as usual, filled with parties and all-you-can-eat buffets. This stark contrast highlights a profound sense of alienation and disconnection. Kocur draws a parallel to historical events, noting how life continued in the Warsaw Ghetto despite the surrounding horrors. “My film was inspired by stories of people who discovered the war while on vacation. The ongoing celebrations and loud music were a harsh blow, making them feel utterly isolated.”
The limitations of cinema in real-time reactions
Kocur acknowledges that cinema, by its nature, cannot swiftly react to current events. “The financing system alone prevents it from being an interventionist medium, and that’s fine. Good films tell stories about a particular moment in history and can be understood independently of that specific event.” He emphasizes that while war is a constant presence somewhere in the world, the recent conflict in Europe has awakened a new awareness.
A film born from solidarity
Under the Volcano is produced by Mikołaj Lizut of Lizart Film and Agnieszka Jastrzębska of Hawk Art, with co-production by Grzegorz Słoniewski of MGM SA, Michał Maksym of TVP SA, and the Polish Film Institute. Salaud Morisset handles sales. Kocur’s previous film, Bread and Salt, garnered awards in Venice in 2022, where he wore a Ukrainian ribbon to show his support. “It was important to mark my solidarity somehow,” he reflects.
Ethical boundaries in filmmaking
Despite his deep connection to the subject, Kocur is clear about his ethical boundaries. “I would never film at the frontlines. Making art off human suffering is, in my opinion, morally troublesome.” He believes that authenticity in storytelling will always find an audience, regardless of the subject matter. “The same things happen to us all the time, but not all of us have the time and the ability to describe them in cinema or literature.”
Evolving storytelling techniques
Kocur’s approach to filmmaking evolves with each project. “In my two films, there are quite a lot of similarities in my way of working, but the way of telling the story is different. The camera is less rigorous, the film is less formal, less clinical.” Despite these changes, his interest in family dynamics remains a constant theme. “Maybe because I don’t have my own just yet?” he muses.
Looking ahead: ‘La Manche’
Kocur is already working on his next project, La Manche, which will address the events on the Polish-Belarusian border. With recent political changes in Poland, he hopes to overcome previous censorship hurdles. “The Minister of Culture blocked the implementation of my project. I hope that under the new government, censorship won’t appear in art anymore.”
The ongoing refugee crisis
Kocur’s upcoming film will once again tackle the refugee crisis, a subject he feels compelled to address. “What’s happening in the world right now is the biggest migration of people in history. It’s impossible not to talk about it.”
For more information and to watch the trailer for Under the Volcano, visit Under the Volcano.
This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of the themes and motivations behind Damian Kocur’s work, offering cinema and TV series enthusiasts a rich, reflective perspective on contemporary filmmaking.