CHERUBIM, 17min., Ukraine
Directed by Evgeniy Matvienko
«VARTA» is a series of documentary novellas about the Ukrainian military, created by the authorial team of filmmakers called NEUTRINO. Since the full-scale invasion of russia of Ukraine, the team has been documenting the military events and telling the stories of our soldiers.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
There is a war in the country, people are dying every day, our military are dying. I am tired of hearing about heroes only after their deaths, and I decided to change this, namely to make a film about the inner world of our fighters, and show the whole world their brave look, deep soul and sincere desire to live in peace. To document real people who resist evil and protect us, civilians. We want people to be able to see heroes when they are alive, not when they die, so that over time our generations can see those who have kept peace in our homes.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
When the story of Bakhmut began, I thought it was our duty to preserve the memory and show the world the real faces of war. The next day, we started filming. In 4 months, the film was fully realised.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Boys speak with their hearts

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The filming was carried out near the area of active hostilities, so sometimes we had to hide from shelling, wearing full protective clothing all the time. We had to be very careful not to injure either the crew or the military during the filming.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I am incredibly grateful for the audience's comments and feedback. They really saw what we wanted to show. Our project is not propaganda. It is about people and for people. We are especially grateful to the viewers for their interest in the project and their awareness of this topic. We thank each viewer for their sincere feedback, it was very important for us to hear from you.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was young, my dad used to make family home movies with a regular camera. I really liked watching this and then watching these videos. A little later, I realised that I wanted to film myself, to create beautiful visuals, to frame the shot. My father's passion was passed on to me, and I dedicated my life to it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Dune, Forrest Gump, Gary Porter

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
You are doing an amazing job, and you are really helping to promote films. Your work is impressive. We have nothing to add in this regard. But maybe we would be happy if your festival was held offline, where producers and directors could get together and watch all the films together. That would be great.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
This platform is very user-friendly, we enjoy using it

10. What is your favorite meal
I love fried potatoes and tomatoes

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on a new film for Azov. Again, this story is an artistic reflection, not propaganda or 18+ footage. Preparations for the production of the second series of the project have already begun. I will make an announcement, it will be about the Tankers.