
This video documents the daily life of a family living in a from time to time Russian-occupied area of Ukraine. The father is missing, and while his whereabouts remain unknown, the family continues to hope for his return.
The two videos were produced entirely through self-financing, with virtually no budget. Working in war zones presents unique challenges, particularly the high cost of fixers, which limited our ability to ensure accurate translations and communication.
In the video about the missing father, we had no control over the direction of the conversation. In hindsight, working with a professional fixer could have improved the structure and clarity of the interview. Additionally, when filming with children, we recognize the need for a more cautious and sensitive approach to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Translation issues also affected both videos. Due to budget constraints, we couldn’t translate all the footage before editing, making us overly reliant on the editor’s interpretation. This often left us uncertain whether the final cut accurately reflected the depth and intent of the material.
We acknowledge these shortcomings and see them as learning opportunities. Moving forward, we aim to exercise greater control over interviews, work more carefully with children, and ensure more precise translations. With proper funding, we can improve the quality of our work by employing skilled local fixers, refining our editorial process, and maintaining a more thoughtful and ethical approach to storytelling. Despite these limitations, we are committed to developing a distinctive style that sets our work apart.