MOVIE REVIEW
Songs of Slow Burning Earth (Пісні землі, що повільно горить)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Olha Zhurba
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the gripping documentary SONGS OF SLOW BURNING EARTH, director Olha Zhurba captures the incremental decline of normalcy against the stark backdrop of war. The film examines this journey as a profound diary of a nation transitioning from peace to turmoil, merging haunting landscapes with personal narratives to reveal the harsh realities of a country under siege. This journey invites the audience to witness the transformation of the extraordinary into the every day, blurring the lines between a once peaceful past and a chaotic present in a way that resonates.

Zhurba shows the complexities of a nation caught in the throes of unrelenting conflict, blending powerful imagery with firsthand accounts. This approach not only highlights the severity of the war's impact but also delves into the collective psyche of the Ukrainian people, torn between remembering their past and surviving their present. The film is more than standard documentary filmmaking, exploring the profound emotional numbness that has settled over the country—a testament to the human capacity to adapt and the heavy toll of persistent strife.

Capturing the chaos of war’s early days posed a significant challenge, as Zhurba worked to film the abrupt upheaval that turned everyday life into a survival saga. Through this lens, viewers experience these moments' raw, unfiltered reality, showcasing the ability to maintain a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos. These directorial efforts extend beyond mere observation; they provide a crucial stabilization through which we can view this tumultuous period.

The film’s storytelling is a collaborative triumph, enriched by the distinct contributions of cinematographers Viacheslav Tsvietkov, Volodymyr Usyk, and Misha Lubarsky. Their collective efforts capture Ukraine's evolving emotional landscape, from the initial shock and confusion to a resigned acceptance of ongoing conflict. The evolving cinematography mirrors the deepening scars left on the land and its people, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of the war’s enduring impact.

Reflecting on her dual role behind the camera, Zhurba reveals how she balances capturing these pivotal historical moments while shielding herself from their emotional weight. This balance allows her to document the war’s rawest moments without becoming overwhelmed, ensuring these critical stories are preserved for future generations. Her reflective insight adds to the viewing experience, highlighting filmmakers' challenges while documenting such intense human experiences.

Zhurba's partnership with Danish editor Michael Aaglund is pivotal in refining the film’s pacing and focus. Together, they balance the intense emotional content with analytical depth, ensuring the documentary achieves the intended impact on an international level. This editorial collaboration is crucial in crafting a film that not only documents but also warns against the broader implications of regional conflicts.

SONGS OF SLOW BURNING EARTH personalizes the war experience while appealing to a global audience. It captures the normalization of violence and the passage of time, examining how prolonged conflict reshapes perceptions and realities across societies.

As the documentary concludes, Zhurba intends to leave a lasting impression. She aspires for her work to inform future histories, ensuring the lessons drawn from today’s conflicts endure. This documentary stands as a powerful testament to the importance of documenting and preserving human experiences and memories amidst ongoing adversity, serving as a crucial reminder of the resilience and endurance of the human spirit.

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