Ukrainian soldiers turn filmmakers to document war with cinematic power

Ukraine’s film community has played a direct role in the war effort since 2022. A new approach to documenting the conflict, called the 'inside view' or 'DIY soldier filmmaking', has taken shape. Soldier-filmmakers are now aiming to bring a cinematic quality to the raw footage emerging from the front lines. Russia’s war in Ukraine may be the most filmed conflict in history. Yet the dangers of Russian drone strikes have made it too risky for civilian journalists to work on the front. As a result, Ukrainian civilian directors have joined the military to capture the war in a different way.

For troops, cinema has become more than art. Media presence can secure vital support for brigades, bringing in drones, supplies, and volunteer connections. Films like 20 Days in Mariupol and 2000 Meters from Avdiivka have already gained international recognition, with the former winning an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

The Docudays UA International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Kyiv helps bridge the gap between frontline cinema and civilian audiences. This year, it received 700 submissions, including around 100 Ukrainian projects focused on the war and its aftermath. The festival provides a platform for these films to reach wider audiences. Soldier-filmmakers continue to refine their craft, blending documentary realism with cinematic storytelling. Their work ensures the conflict remains visible to the world while supporting the war effort on the ground.