The Kyiv Independent's documentary about Ukrainian military medics, "Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics," is set for six screenings across Europe this March, after its successful premiere last December. These screenings aim to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of medics who serve on the front lines of Ukraine's war against Russian aggression.
Scheduled to be shown in Brussels, London, Strasbourg, Paris, Amsterdam, and The Hague, each screening will feature discussions led by the film's authors, Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko. The documentary follows military medics as they navigate the harrowing realities of war, chronicling their experiences from the battlefield to mental health retreats.
After undergoing intense, life-and-death situations daily, these medical professionals confront significant wounds not visible to the eye. Their mental well-being is frequently neglected, which has severe repercussions on their ability to perform their duties effectively. “Witnessing endless trauma has taken a heavy toll on the medics’ mental health,” noted Farrell. “With the film, we hope to bring attention to this invisible battle.”
The medics featured traveled from Ukraine to serene forests in Sweden for mental health retreats organized by the Ukrainian-Swedish charitable organization Repower, which provides support for those who risk their lives to save others. The retreats offer these heroes their first moments of peace since the war began, allowing them time to process their trauma and share their grief over lost colleagues and soldiers they could not save.
The first screening of the film took place last December and has since gained traction, reaching various European capitals. Each screening resonates with audiences by presenting the human side of the conflict. “People who watched the film told me they saw the real faces of this war — those fighting for their independence,” Zashko remarked. “Our film reveals how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”
Produced over nine months, the documentary's creation involved multiple journeys to the front lines and was made possible through collaboration with the Repower organization, which has facilitated mental health retreats for nearly 850 military medics since its establishment.
Sebastian Lindstrom, the project coordinator at Repower, emphasized the historical significance of the war. “At this defining moment,” he stated, “the burden of leadership falls squarely on Europe’s shoulders. Do we have the courage to uphold our values and respond effectively?” This sentiment is echoed throughout the film, as medics exemplify the sacrifice required to defend freedom.
Graphical content may alarm some viewers, as the film directly showcases the stark realities of warfare and the psychological wounds inflicted on those fighting it. It aims to inspire empathy and action among audiences, highlighting why Western support is necessary for Ukraine’s future and the broader principles of democracy.
Upcoming screening times and locations include:
- Brussels. Cinéma Aventure, March 5, 19:00
- London. Genesis Cinema, March 10, 18:00
- Strasbourg. Cinéma Star St-Exupéry, March 11, 19:30
- Paris. Club de l’Etoile cinéma, March 13, 19:30
- Amsterdam. Time and location TBD, March 16
- The Hague. Filmhuis Den Haag, March 17, 16:00
The film is also available on the Kyiv Independent’s YouTube channel for broader accessibility. By entrusting these stories to international viewers, the Kyiv Independent invites Western Europe to not just witness, but actively engage with the realities of war and the lives devoted to the noble cause of saving others.
With each screening, the film cultivates not only awareness but also the urgency of action, reminding all of the importance behind supporting Ukraine and the broader values of humanity it upholds. The screenings aim at fostering not only audience empathy but also rallying support for the work of military medics who embody courage amid chaos.