The cultural landscape in Kyiv, Ukraine, has exhibited a predominant focus on war-related themes since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Initially, cultural venues were closed or repurposed, with artists becoming refugees or soldiers. Four years into the conflict, artistic productions have resumed, with their content often reflecting the ongoing war.
War-Themed Cinema and Photography
Observations in Kyiv indicate that public spaces display advertisements primarily for events related to fundraising for military forces or for films, plays, and exhibitions addressing the war.
A recent screening of "2000 metres to Andriivka," a documentary by Mstyslav Chernov, depicted frontline experiences. The film focuses on a 2km strip of land in eastern Ukraine, described by soldiers as a forest, separating them from Russian positions. Its narrative centers on a mission to reclaim Andriivka. The film employs drone footage and real-time monitoring of soldiers. This production follows Chernov's "20 Days in Mariupol," which received an Academy Award in 2024.
Other cinematic offerings include "Cuba and Alyaska," a documentary following two female combat medics.
An exhibition at the Ukrainian House, formerly the Lenin Museum, featured a retrospective of documentary photographer Oleksandr Glyadelov's work. The exhibition spanned three floors, showcasing images from Ukraine's efforts toward independence over 35 years. A section dedicated to 2022 onwards included photographs of victims arranged to resemble graves.
Public Reception and Artistic Purpose
Reactions to war-themed cultural content vary among Kyiv residents. Some individuals express a preference for avoiding such content, citing the war's constant presence in their daily lives and media. They report experiencing the conflict through air defense alerts, missile warnings, and concerns for fighting friends and family members.
Conversely, others are drawn to these productions. Following a screening of "2000 metres to Andriivka," one audience member, Yulia, stated that a soldier she knew, who appeared in the film, had died. She described the film as "a tough watch" but added, "I think we have to do it, though. We can't forget them." Another viewer, Taras, reported watching the film "through tears" and asserted the necessity of such films, suggesting they might encourage people to realize "that Ukraine needs all the help possible to end this," and stating, "So many people have been killed because we refuse to be what we're not. We are not Russian."
Thematic Integration in Performing Arts
Musical theatre productions have also integrated war themes. The Kyiv Opera presented "Patriot," a rock opera detailing a hero's journey through Ukraine's recent history, encompassing revolution and war. The performance incorporates popular anthems of Ukrainian independence. Elements of the show included a performer in a fat suit portraying a policeman and a performer shredding a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Petro Kachanov, the director of "Patriot," stated the production's mission is "to demonstrate that Russia is our age-old enemy." He elaborated, "The Russians are not our brothers. They are killing our people. They want to take away our freedom and we must say this." Kachanov indicated that he declined suggestions to provide a happy ending for the show, citing it as "a tribute to those who died in this war."