Ukraine's Valentyn Vasyanovych Wins Toronto With 'To The Victory!'
Ukrainian filmmaker Valentyn Vasyanovych's latest drama, 'To The Victory!', is set to engage audiences. The film, which won the Toronto Platform award, explores the intricacies of post-war life in a near-future Ukraine. Vasyanovych, known for his 'dystopian' trilogy, takes the central role of a filmmaker grappling with his desire to stay in his homeland.
The story unfolds in gentle layers, focusing on the daily minutiae of the main character, Valyk's life. The opening sequence plays with audience perception, setting the stage for the generational tension between Valyk and his son. Throughout the film, Vasyanovych challenges the notion that the end of fighting automatically brings peace.
The film's exploration of these themes is made all the more poignant by Vasyanovych's personal connection to the story. Like Valyk, he wishes to stay in his homeland despite his wife and daughter moving to Vienna. This personal touch, combined with Vasyanovych's unique storytelling style, has already garnered attention, with 'To The Victory!' winning the Toronto Platform award.
'To The Victory!' is the third film in Vasyanovych's 'dystopian' trilogy, following 'Atlantis' and 'Reflections'. The film's production involved Forefilms, Arsenal Films, and Best Friend Forever from Lithuania. It ends with a longed-for moment of quiet, everyday contentment, leaving audiences with a sense of hope amidst the complexities of post-war life.
