“Ukraine is the Temple of My Heart” is the title of the feature film by Juliya Sak and Olga Tychyna-Yanovska. It premiered a few days ago in Kyiv at the famous Cinema House. The screenings were also held abroad. The film is unique in that it tells the story of Ukraine through the lives of its characters. Today we have seen Ukraine through the eyes of characters who found themselves in the rear because of the war.
Ukraine has always been a country with a rich cultural heritage, where art has played a significant role in shaping national identity and self-awareness. In the context of the war that the country is experiencing today, the importance of author’s feature films becomes especially relevant, and its significance is difficult to overestimate.
World cinematic art has always been a source of inspiration and ideas for Ukrainian artists. In times of war, Ukrainian auteur feature films become another means of fighting against Russian military aggression. It helps us preserve our national identity and cultural heritage, as well as tell the world about Ukraine and its history.
“Ukrainian auteur feature films today represent a unique opportunity for Ukrainian filmmakers to tell the world about Ukraine, its history, culture and modernity. It gives Ukrainian filmmakers the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions about the war their country is going through,” says the film’s director Juliya Sak.
Indeed, it is worth mentioning the works of Serhiy Parajanov and Oleksandr Dovzhenko, who created in the most difficult times of Ukraine’s history.
Nowadays, there is an urgent need for films that can reflect the depth of people’s experiences during military aggression, the depth that is real and unvarnished. The psychological film by Juliya Sak reveals the lives and state of mind of people who have been living in the rear since the first days of the russian aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The film immerses the viewer in various aspects of Ukrainian life in this difficult time: from the present to the past. The film artistically intertwines images of the past, from Kyivan Rus to the present day.
Due to this unusual interweaving of realities, the visual design of the film is a very strong aspect of the film. The director Juliya Sak skillfully combines different styles of filming, using both documentary and fiction elements.
The film features a variety of characters who share their stories and experiences with the viewer from the screen. Many scenes are based on real events, and documentary footage is used.
The cast of the movie: Juliya Sak, Oleksandr Melnyk, Lisa Melnyk, Natalia Savina, Viktor Kryvusha, Nina Volkova, Alisa Anisimova, Yevhenia Zenyuk, Maryna Loboda, Anna Kyselyova, Valeriy Nesterenko, Oleksandr Dashkevych, Oleksandr Honcharenko, Olga Uhnivenko, Ksyusha Shkurka and others. The music was created by Yulia Sak and arranged by Ian Zalman.
Juliya Sack herself acted in the film not only as an actress, but also as a composer, director, cinematographer, editor and sound engineer.
“Ukraine is the Temple of My Heart” encourages important reflections. In the context of the current challenges facing Ukraine, the film reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and national identity.
Juliya Sak’s film Ukraine is the Temple of My Heart is an important cultural document that raises the issue of human experiences and feelings in times of war. Since the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine, the home front has become a place where people try to cope with the grief, fear and uncertainty that war brings.
Juliya Sak’s authorial approach allows the viewer to plunge into the world of ordinary Ukrainians who, despite their distance from the front, feel the war on their own.
“Ukraine is the Temple of My Heart is a deep exploration of human souls, their experiences, hopes and aspirations in times of uncertainty. Juliya Sak and Olga Tychyna-Yanovska have managed not only to document reality, but also to create a work of art that calls for reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.
We can confidently say that this film will become an important part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, reflecting the enormous strength of the human spirit in the most difficult times.