What comes to mind when thinking of Ukraine is a portrait of a wounded yet resilient country. A proud population who are committed to survival amongst the chaos and years-long destruction of their homeland. Despite the unrelenting and horrifying hardship, filmmaker Dmytro Hreshko creatively gives audiences a new way to envision Ukraine without focusing solely on its devastation. In the documentary, Divia, Hreshko enlists composer Sam Slater and cinematographer Volodymyr Usyk to remind the world of Ukraine’s natural beauty before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A Portrait of Ukraine Before, During, and Beyond War

Divia is unlike traditional documentaries. There is no dialogue, nor interviewees. Rather, Divia is a meditative, sound-driven journey through devastated land. Slater’s beautiful composition is intertwined with field recordings of natural elements, such as waterfalls, animals, and wind. This layered soundscape creates a metaphysical symphony that enhances the stunning images on screen. Lush forests, vast landscapes, and organic abundance portray a Ukraine thriving with life and prosperity.

Watch the Divia trailer here.

This natural beauty is slowly interrupted by the changing environment, which is further illustrated by a transformation in the music composition. Harsher weather and remnants of war, evidenced by barren forests, cratered fields, and abandoned military machines, snap the viewer back to reality. This is the Ukraine we have begun to normalize in these images of sadness and death. While it cannot be ignored, director Dmytro Hreshko offers hope by reminding us that life continues onward. Seasons change, and with it comes the birth of new life. Grass begins to grow again, animals return, and the images of destruction are replaced with resurrection.

Director’s Statement

Says Hreshko, “The destruction of nature is a significant part of the cost we Ukrainians pay for our freedom from Russia, which views nature and the world around it merely as resources for exploitation and expansion. Documenting the Russian military’s eco-crimes and the destruction of natural landscapes and ecosystems is crucial. Understanding the scope of these issues is the first step toward solving them. While environmental concerns might not be a priority for Ukrainians amidst pressing issues, neglecting them could pose greater threats to our lives than anticipated.”

Takeaway

Divia offers a unique perspective on where beauty and devastation coexist. If you approach this film with patience and grace, you’ll no doubt leave with deep appreciation.