In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a documentary film titled ‘A Poem for Little People’ offers a raw and intimate portrayal of the civilian experience. Directed by Ivan Sautkin, a filmmaker who also served as a volunteer on the evacuation team, the film provides a unique perspective on the war’s devastating impact on ordinary lives.
The documentary follows the efforts of a humanitarian team as they work tirelessly to evacuate civilians from the frontline regions. One particularly poignant scene depicts a woman reluctantly agreeing to leave her home, despite her concerns for her paralysed brother and beloved German shepherd. As explosions thunder uncomfortably close, the volunteers patiently explain that they will ensure the safe transport of her brother and the family pet. The woman’s stoic demeanour eventually breaks, and she is seen wiping away a tear, a testament to the emotional toll of the situation.
Sautkin’s filmmaking approach is distinctive, eschewing traditional interview formats or voiceovers in favour of an immersive, fly-on-the-wall style. The result is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the trauma experienced by those caught in the crossfire. The leader of the volunteer team, Anton, emerges as a steadfast figure, maintaining composure even under the heaviest fire.
The film also explores the stories of two elderly women living near the Russian border. Zinaida, a meticulous octogenarian, carefully documents the tanks rolling into Ukraine, feeding the information to the Ukrainian army. Upstairs, her friend Taisiya pens scathing poems lambasting the Russian invaders. These women, far from the “little people” the film’s title suggests, are revealed as resilient and defiant in the face of adversity.
‘A Poem for Little People’ is a poignant and powerful testament to the human cost of war. Sautkin’s unflinching lens captures the raw emotion and desperation of those caught in the conflict, while also highlighting the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. As the film premieres on True Story on 23 January, it promises to be a must-see for those seeking a deeper understanding of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.