The Beauty of Art During the Hell of War
DIRECTED BY SLAVA LEONTYEV/2024
Porcelain War is a striking documentary that immerses viewers in the complex intersection of art and survival amid the devastation of war. Following Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey, the film captures their resolve to remain in their homeland despite the overwhelming presence of violence.
Their story is punctuated by the roar of fighter jets and missile strikes, underscoring Marwan Makhoul’s sentiment: “In order for me to write poetry that isn’t political, I must listen to the birds, and in order to hear the birds, the warplanes must be silent.” This quote resonates deeply here, as Porcelain War reveals how the act of creating art under these circumstances is itself a form of defiance and resilience.
Directed by Slava Leontyev, a former Ukrainian Special Forces member turned artist, the documentary interweaves beautiful, haunting imagery of Ukraine’s landscapes with scenes of destruction, creating a powerful visual contrast that speaks to the enduring spirit of those who remain. Moments of tenderness, like a forest walk or Anya placing delicate porcelain figures amid the rubble, are juxtaposed with intense images of survival and conflict. The inclusion of Frodo, their faithful terrier, brings warmth and humor, symbolizing the persistence of life even in the most hostile conditions.
Porcelain War poses a poignant question: Can acts of creation coexist with the necessity of self-defense? Through stunning visual metaphors and honest reflections, the film contemplates whether the soul of a nation, like porcelain, can be fragile yet unbreakable. The trio’s journey, marked by shared humor and undaunted hope, serves as a moving testament to the Ukrainian spirit and to the unyielding passion for art that even the fiercest battles cannot silence.