Heads up, cinephiles and anyone seeking a powerful cinematic experience: Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, two seriously talented filmmakers, have dropped their new documentary, ‘Bodies (of War),’ which dives deep into the human impact of the Ukraine War. This isn’t just another news report; it’s a raw, unflinching look at the fragility and resilience of lives turned upside down by conflict. For real, this film promises to hit different, offering perspectives that go way beyond the headlines.
The acclaimed duo, known for their powerful storytelling, wrapped this project quietly, focusing on an eclectic cast of characters whose stories form a lyrical meditation on the toll paid by millions. From veterans in Lviv fighting for recovery to a transgender refugee in Warsaw building a new life through art, and even an art collective confronting war through their practice, the documentary pieces together a complex human mosaic. It’s on point how they’ve managed to capture such diverse experiences under one narrative roof.
The documentary kicks off in Lviv, Ukraine, where Szumowska and Englert followed wounded soldiers striving to regain their physical and psychological strength. The concept of ‘unexpected heroism’ truly comes alive here, showcasing the profound courage it takes to rebuild a life when your world has been shattered. This isn’t just about physical wounds; the film bravely confronts the invisible scars of trauma and PTSD, a widespread yet often overlooked consequence for combatants and civilians alike, highlighting the immense challenges in post-conflict mental health support systems.
As the conflict intensified, the filmmakers pivoted to Warsaw, where they found new layers to their story. One compelling narrative features Dana Vitkovska, a Ukrainian transgender multidisciplinary artist. Her journey to forge an identity on her own terms, while navigating the bureaucratic hurdles of being a refugee in Poland, truly underscores the multifaceted struggles faced by displaced individuals. This personal fight for self-determination against a backdrop of war and displacement adds a unique and vital dimension to the film, reflecting the universal human desire for dignity and belonging.
Another powerful thread involves the Open Group, a Ukrainian contemporary art collective that transforms the raw trauma of war into art. This artistic response isn’t just a commentary; it’s a coping mechanism and a form of cultural resistance. The film explores the profound dilemma many artists face: to stay and fight, or to use their craft to process and communicate the incomprehensible realities of conflict. Their work serves as a poignant reminder that art can be a potent weapon against despair, a way to ensure that the experiences of war are not forgotten, but rather understood and felt by a global audience.
According to Szumowska, piecing these seemingly disparate narratives together was no easy feat, describing it as a ‘struggle.’ Yet, the final cut reveals a powerful, cohesive vision, deeply linked to their previous work through the lens of the human body and its physical and emotional experiences. Debuting at Poland’s Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival, this film is set to embark on a journey that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a dope, visceral understanding of what it means to endure and persevere.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
