Year by year, the ranks of documentary film enthusiasts in the Kompaniivka community of Kirovohrad region are growing. For a decade now, thanks to Travelling Docudays UA, residents of villages and towns in Kirovohrad region have been exploring creative documentaries focused on human rights. They look forward to new screenings and, in particular, face-to-face sessions with the filmmakers.

On the afternoon of December 12, the audience gathered at the Central Public Library in Kompaniivka for the screening of the film Forest, Forest and a meeting with the director, Maria Stoianova.

The audience asked the director many questions, diving into the story behind the film’s creation. For example, was the director familiar with the family whose videos served as the basis for the film? Why the title and what does it symbolize? The audience also shared their personal family memories and the emotions evoked while watching the film.

Having been to Kompaniivka before, Maria’s return stirred memories among attendees of previous encounters and films from past editions of Travelling Docudays UA. They were also keen to know about the director’s future plans.

Our screening moderator, teacher Iryna Dyshlova, also joined the audience. She invited Maria to come to the school and speak to students who had already watched Forest, Forest. The director agreed, leading to another session at the school where she engaged with young documentary enthusiasts.

After saying goodbye to Maria Stoianova, the audience hurried home to catch the online screening of Guests from Kharkiv. Their promptness paid off, as a surprise awaited them post-screening: a session with director Halyna Lavrinets and producer Oleksandra Bratyshchenko.

A still from Guests from Kharkiv

The issues portrayed in the film struck a chord with the audience, especially as the Kompaniivka community had transformed into a haven for internally displaced people following the full-scale invasion. Attendees at the screening shared their own experiences, some resonating with those depicted in the film, and others distinct.

Alongside Halyna Lavrinets and producer Oleksandra Bratyshchenko, the audience concluded that everyone deserves the right to life, safety, and the opportunity to do what they love for joy and a sense of self-realization.

The audience of the Kompaniivka community is excited about the next Travelling Docudays UA, but meanwhile, the anniversary festival continues its journey, drawing closer to this year’s finale.

Author: Olena Mirkhaidarova, Regional Coordinator of Travelling Docudays UA in the Kirovohrad region.

Main photo: A still from Forest, Forest. The 20th Travelling Docudays UA is supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, and the US Embassy in Ukraine. Opinions, conclusions, or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments, charities, or companies of these countries. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of its authors.