Within the framework of the forum, the Network hosted screenings of two films from its film library — Witnesses. To the North of Kyiv directed by Tetiana Symon, and Fortress Mariupol. Orest directed by Yuliya Hontaruk, each followed by discussions featuring the filmmakers and protagonists. Both events attracted full audiences, including journalists, cinematographers, photojournalists, communications professionals, and representatives of national and regional media outlets as well as international organizations.

Witnesses. To the North of Kyiv: Film as Evidence

Following the screening of Witnesses. To the North of Kyiv, viewers had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the film’s director, Tetiana Symon. The documentary tells the stories of ordinary people from the suburbs of Kyiv who, in February-March 2022, endured occupation and became witnesses to war crimes committed by the Russian army.

Photo: Discussion with director Tetiana Symon

 
“The War Archive team started recording testimonies immediately after the liberation of the Kyiv region. I soon realized that a broader audience should see these stories — this is how the idea of the film emerged,” said Tetiana Symon during the discussion. “The eyewitness’ accounts are crucial not only for the sake of history but also for the future trial of Russia. These testimonies, brought together in the film, allow audiences around the world to see and hear the truth about the war in Ukraine.”

Viewers noted the film’s emotional power and honesty. “This film doesn’t let one hide behind detached facts. It places you side by side with people who have endured inhuman trials yet preserved their dignity and inner strength — and this touches the viewers,” remarked a journalist from Rivne.

Media professionals asked the filmmaker numerous questions about maintaining ethical standards during the recording of testimonies, ways to balance engaging storytelling with respect for the interviewees’ personal stories and privacy, and methods of coping with emotional burnout while working on such a difficult subject.

The discussion was dynamic and highly valuable for the professional community — and, therefore, for the audiences of these media professionals. As one participant noted, “Us, journalists, look for stories on a daily basis. But in Witnesses, the stories speak for themselves — calmly and convincingly, albeit painfully. This film is both a document and evidence. It opens new perspectives for my own work.”

Photo: Conversation with Dmytro “Orest” Kozatskyi

Fortress Mariupol. Orest: Testimony from Within

The second screening, Fortress Mariupol. Orest directed by Yuliya Hontaruk, became one of the most emotional moments of the forum. The discussion featured Dmytro “Orest” Kozatskyi, the film’s protagonist, who led the press service of the Azov Regiment during the siege of Mariupol and documented the lives of Azovstal defenders.

“When I was filming videos and taking photos in Mariupol, I didn’t think they would become symbols. I just wanted people to know about us — that we existed, that we were fighting. If those images later help prove Russia’s crimes, it will mean I did everything right,” shared Dmytro Kozatskyi.

After the film, the audience remained silent for a long time — a silence followed by applause and an intense discussion. Forum participants admitted that the documentary made a profound emotional impact: “This film is not just a document. It is a testimony to human dignity. We often speak about heroes, but when you see their eyes on screen, you truly understand the magnitude of what they have done.”

The post-screening discussion continued well beyond its scheduled time. Viewers talked about the role of media in advocating for Ukraine’s interests on the international stage, ways to address “war fatigue” among both Ukrainian and foreign audiences, and the challenges of censorship and self-censorship in journalism during wartime.

Photo: Photo from the film discussion

“It was an insightful conversation. It reminded us that our texts, photos, and reports are weapons in the war against disinformation. We are obliged to document the truth and communicate openly with our audiences, even under challenging working conditions,” said one of the participants.

The DOCU/CLUB Network’s events at the Donbas Media Forum demonstrated that cooperation between the NGO Docudays UA and the media community is more than a cultural dialogue. It is a joint effort to preserve the truth. Documentary filmmakers create stories that serve as evidence of war crimes, while journalists disseminate this evidence, making it visible to the world.

Olha Babchuk, moderator of the discussions, journalist, and communications specialist of the DOCU/CLUB Network, noted: “This dialogue within the professional community was extremely important for us. When documentary filmmakers and journalists unite their efforts, we create something more than content — we form the archive of truth. The severity of punishment for the aggressor’s crimes depends on how honestly and meticulously we do this work.”

The DOCU/CLUB Network team extends sincere thanks to the Donbas Media Forum for the collaboration — and looks forward to continuing it in the future.

The development of the DOCU/CLUB Network is funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and Fondation de France.

The opinions, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the authors and compilers of this publication and do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments or charitable organizations of these countries. The authors and compilers are solely responsible for the content of this publication.