What's Happening?
At the 40th edition of Switzerland's Fribourg International Film Festival, Ukrainian filmmaker Zhanna Ozirna presents her debut feature 'Honeymoon.' The film is a chamber drama focusing on a newly married couple trapped in their apartment as Russian forces
close in on the Kyiv region during the 2022 invasion. Ozirna's approach is to keep the war largely offscreen, focusing instead on the relationship dynamics under the stress of survival. The film is based on multiple accounts from the early days of the war, highlighting the human cost of conflict. Ozirna deliberately avoids casting actors who have lived under occupation to prevent re-traumatization and chooses not to show Russian soldiers onscreen, conveying their presence through sound.
Why It's Important?
The film 'Honeymoon' offers a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by focusing on personal relationships rather than direct combat. This approach allows audiences to understand the psychological and emotional toll of war on individuals. By screening internationally, the film bridges the gap between those experiencing the war firsthand and global audiences, emphasizing the human cost of conflict. Ozirna's work contributes to the ongoing debate in Ukraine about how to portray the war ethically, avoiding exploitation of trauma while highlighting the resilience and dignity of those affected.
