One of 15 contenders for Best Documentary Feature at 91st Academy Awards. The nominations to be released 22 January, 2019, and the winner to be announced at the 91st Academy Awards February 24, 2019.
What the Film Makers Say
Set in Eastern Ukraine on the front-line of the war, following the life of 10-year-old Ukrainian boy Oleg throughout a year, witnessing the gradual erosion of his innocence beneath the pressures of war. Oleg lives with his beloved grandmother, Alexandra, in the small village of Hnutove. Having no other place to go, Oleg and Alexandra stay and watch as others leave the village. Life becomes increasingly difficult with each passing day, and the war offers no end in sight. In this now half-deserted village where Oleg and Alexandra are the only true constants in each other’s lives, the film shows just how fragile, but crucial, close relationships are for survival.
Through Oleg’s perspective, the film examines what it means to grow up in a war zone: A child’s growing universal struggle to discover what the world is interlaced with all the dangers and challenges the war presents.
Directed by Simon Lereng Wilmont.
Produced by Monica Hellström (THE ACT OF KILLING), Final Cut For Real
Spotlight Award Nominee – Cinema Eye Honors 2019
Honorable Mention – Pare Lorentz Award – 2018 IDA Awards
Winner – First Appearance Award – IDFA 2017
Winner – Best Nordic Documentary – Göteborg Film Festival 2018
Winner – Golden Gate Award – SFFILM 2018
Winner – Fipresci Award – Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival 2018
Winner – Best International Film – DocAviv Film Festival 2018
Nominee – Best European Documentary – European Film Awards 2018
Gregg W. Morris can be reached at gmorris@hunter.cuny.edu