As part of the 22nd Travelling Docudays UA International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, an open screening of the autobiographical documentary Glass, My Unfulfilled Life (dir. Rogier Kappers, Netherlands, 2024) took place in Kropyvnytskyi.

The film tells the story of Rogier Kappers, a man who decided to fulfil a childhood dream: to create a glass organ and play it. When, at the age of nine, he imagined himself as a musician, life seemed boundless and full of possibility. But over the years, the dream gave way to everyday routines. Decades later, Kappers decided to return to it — and to “melt” the glass under which his desire to create had once become frozen.

A crystal-clear story about a second chance

Glass, My Unfulfilled Life is not just a film about music. It is a story about human persistence and the courage to be oneself, about the fear of looking ridiculous, yet choosing to try anyway.

Photo: by Hennadii Zorin

“Somewhere between hope and despair, humour and pain, Rogier has created a documentary diary that speaks ironically yet very honestly about time slipping away,” shared viewer Valentyna, a regular attendee of the Travelling Festival screenings.

From laughter to philosophy: How the audience responded

The screening was followed by a discussion with psychologist and co-founder of the People’s Lives centre, Olena Kaliman. The conversation focused on age-related crises, fears, missed opportunities — and the idea that it is never too late to start anew.

“For me, this film is cheerful and sincere, because it is about a person’s journey towards their childhood dream — a journey they take without stopping for anything,” said viewer Nataliia Adykovska.

Some viewers saw Rogier as a symbol of eternal childlike sincerity, while others viewed him as an example of excessive naïveté.

Photo: by Hennadii Zorin

“How can someone be so infantile at that age?” a voice from the audience asked.

“He is simply a free person who is searching for himself, and he has the right to do so,” replied another participant in the discussion, Nataliia Kovalchuk.

Phrases that stayed with the viewers

During the screening, many viewers jotted down lines from the film to share during the discussion.

“When the father called his son’s mobile organ ‘a coffin with glasses,’ you could feel both love and the misunderstanding between generations in that irony,” noted viewer Anastasiia.

Another phrase that stayed with the audience for a long time was:

“All geniuses and virtuosos simply seized their moment.”

It became a kind of throughline of the evening, a reminder that each person has their own chance, and the most important thing is not to pass it by.

Cinema that brings us back to ourselves

The discussion after the film lasted longer than the screening itself — and perhaps that is the best proof of its power.

Photo: by Hennadii Zorin

This is a film for those who feel “unplayed notes” within themselves, for those who once put a dream aside “for later.”

Kappers shows that a second chance does not require the perfect moment — only the courage to begin.

Author: Mariia Zorina

The 22nd Travelling Docudays UA is held with the financial support of the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, and International Media Support. The opinions, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily correspond to the views of the European Union, the governments or charities of these countries. Responsibility for the content of the publication lies solely on its authors.