Liturgy of Anti-Tank Obstacles
Dmytro SUKHOLYTKYY-SOBCHUK
- USA, Ukraine
- 2022
- 12min
- 12 +
- DCP
- color
Korean Premiere
Synopsis
Ukrainian reality is divided into two periods - before and after the war. In the nationwide resistance, every citizen tries to be helpful. Ukrainians change professions and adapt to wartime needs. Sculptors fabricate anti-tank obstacles in their art workshops. Just like the Terracotta Army, silent figures of Ukrainian personalities, angels, Cossacks, and multiple copies of Jesus Christ are frozen in anticipation of new creations. Craftsmen weld metal defence items for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Review
Sculptors who once made statues of saints are now making anti-tank obstacles. The film uses the sounds of radio and chants alternately. Can a person pray and fight a war at the same time? From the camera angle, the anti-tank obstacles seem similar to the cross that Jesus carried. Still, Jesus who bore the sins of people won’t come back again. Now, it is time to decide whether to carry either an anti-tank obstacle or a cross with praying hands.
Director
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Dmytro SUKHOLYTKYY-SOBCHUK
Ukrainian author and filmmaker, graduated from the KNU named after Karpenko-Kary. Participant of the Berlinale Talents, Locarno Film Academy, he is the founder of the script platform Terrarium. His first feature, Panfir was developed by Torino Film Lab, Midpoint, and Cinefondation Residence and achieve a selection at the Cannes Film Festival Directors' Fortnight in 2022. Panfir has been chosen for a nomination in the category European Discovery, Prix Fipresci at the 35th European Film Awards.