Ukrainian documentary filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko, renowned for her poignant works such as "Alisa in Warland," "Home Games," and "We Will Not Fade Away," She intricately weaves multiple identities into the rich tapestry of her life: a nurturing mother, a captivating storyteller, and a valiant warrior. When Russia's aggression against Ukraine unfolded in the spring of 2022, Alisa answered her country's call to arms, bidding farewell to her French husband, author and producer Stéphane Siohan, and her five-year-old son, Théo. Her latest film, "My Dear Théo," making its world premiere on March 23 at CPH:DOX, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, is a heartfelt collection of letters penned from the battlefield to her beloved child.
These missives, which revolve around the poignant themes of warfare, love, and life's most arduous decisions, stand as a poignant testament to the enduring power of love amidst the carnage of war. They offer a delicate balance between the grueling routines of frontline life, the harrowing realities of battle, and the deeply tender, poetic expressions of a mother's affection.
According to the Copenhagen festival's website, "Through Alisa's lens, we are immersed in the stark reality of Ukraine's frontline, transitioning from serene moments of camaraderie and introspection to the sudden, chaotic bursts of Russian onslaughts. Yet, much of a soldier's existence is marked by waiting, a time when inner turmoil eclipses even the ferocity of combat."
Exclusively revealed by THR, The film's teaser trailer provides a captivating sneak peek into the life of Théo,alongside footage of Kovalenko and her comrades-in-arms on the frontlines, setting the stage for an emotional cinematic journey.
"Hours, days, and nights blend into one in those trenches," reflects Kovalenko. "You start to notice the minute details—leaves rustling, trees swaying—trivialities that become poignant reminders of life's continuum. There's an existential depth that cameras can scarcely capture, making it all the more crucial to articulate my feelings through writing. Ultimately, I believe these letters carry a far greater emotional burden than the footage itself."
Sharing a particularly poignant moment, Kovalenko recounts, "In one scene, I speak of parents volunteering for the frontline to spare their children this fate. Théo turned to me with tears in his eyes and said, 'Mama, I don't want you to go back. I'll go instead.'"
Produced by Haka Films, "My Dear Théo" is being distributed by Stranger Films Sales, promising a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with the human spirit.
