Soldiers of Song
A fiery documentary about Ukrainian musicians amid the war. The defiant film embraces the fighting spirit without shying away from the bloody reality of war.
Soldiers of Song is an unpretentious documentary about Ukrainian musicians in the midst of Russia’s war of aggression. Directed by Ryan Smith, the film’s expressive register combines the aesthetics of a fast-paced television documentary, music video, vlogs and propaganda film.
The film shows what role a pop star of the 2020s plays in war. At the same time, it also gives a voice and a face to ordinary Ukrainian musicians. For the rock star, the war has meant meeting his audience at home and resistance conveyed through the media. The pop musician’s expression has grown more serious, a song sustaining hope echoes through the bomb shelters, and someone dreaming of a career as an opera singer helps their neighbours in bombed apartment blocks. The rapper, meanwhile, has become the commander of a drone unit.
Soldiers of Song also introduces the cultural troops serving in the Ukrainian armed forces, soldiers who play music for their comrades. This fiery, fighting and brisk documentary does not shy away from the bloody and distressing reality of a war that still continues. It falls silent before the tragedies of both entire cities and individuals.
Justus Pitkänen (translated by Kati Ilomäki)
Screenings
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Kino Engel 2Tue 22.9. at 20.30–22.0090 min, 1/3
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Kino Engel 2Fri 25.9. at 18.30–20.0090 min, 2/3