Filming under the missiles

Just days before beginning our scheduled shoot, our film almost faced a catastrophic delay that threatened to derail the entire project. Late one night, just as we were gearing up for a crucial weekend of filming, air alarms sounded across Kyiv, meaning a tense night of rocket interceptions above the city.

The next morning, still unsettled from the night’s chaos, I received an urgent message from Oksana, the manager of the cemetery where we planned to film. Her message was stark: “Dimitri, please call me back.” My heart sank, sensing this was not just a routine check-in.

A rocket had struck close to a nearby TV station tower, causing significant damage to our primary location at the cemetery, where we had planned multiple scenes. Oksana said that we should cancel the upcoming shoot. Imagining the logistical nightmare of rescheduling or relocating last minute, I felt the entire film could be pushed back by a year, especially with the unpredictable weather in October looming.

Determined to assess the situation myself, I headed to the cemetery. Contrary to my fears, the scene was not as apocalyptic as I had envisioned. The damage, while visually impactful, was mostly superficial—broken glass and debris were scattered about, but the structural integrity of our key filming locations remained intact.

In the administration building, amidst the wreckage, I found Oksana distraught. Her frustration and anger were were emotional. However, as we surveyed the damage together, it became clear that the destruction could be managed. The primary concern was the broken windows, crucial for several of our shots.

Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of the resilience and adaptability required in filmmaking. Facing what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, we rallied, found a solution, and kept our project on track. This incident was a profound reminder that flexibility and perseverance are as crucial as any other skill in a filmmaker’s arsenal.