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2mo ago

Ukrainian Documentary 'Timestamp' Premieres at Berlinale Amid Ongoing War

Kateryna Gornostai's film captures the resilience of Ukrainian students and teachers navigating daily life during Russia's invasion, competing for the festival's Golden Bear prize.

Cast members Olha Bryhynets and Borys Khovriak, Producers Olha Bregman and Natalia Libet, Cinematographer Oleksandr Roshchyn, Editor Nikon Romanchenko and Executive Producer Zoya Lytvyn attend a photo call to promote the documentary film 'Timestamp' as they display a Ukrainian Flag signed by their colleagues who are teachers in Ukraine, at the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2025. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben
Cast members Olha Bryhynets and Borys Khovriak, Producers Olha Bregman and Natalia Libet, Cinematographer Oleksandr Roshchyn, Editor Nikon Romanchenko and Executive Producer Zoya Lytvyn attend a press conference to promote the documentary film 'Timestamp' at the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2025. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben
Natalia Libet, Olha Bregman and Zoya Lytvyn attend the screening of the documentary film 'Timestamp' at the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2025. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen
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Overview

  • 'Timestamp' is the first Ukrainian-directed film in nearly 30 years to compete for the Berlinale's Golden Bear, with the winner to be announced Saturday.
  • The documentary, directed by Kateryna Gornostai, chronicles Ukrainian school life during the war, juxtaposing moments of joy with the harsh realities of conflict.
  • Filmed from March 2023 to June 2024, it features classrooms at varying distances from the frontlines, showing how war has reshaped education and childhood.
  • The film avoids narration or commentary, instead using observational footage to highlight resilience and hope, even in moments of fear and loss.
  • Critics have praised 'Timestamp' for its emotional depth and artistry, describing it as both a powerful wartime document and a testament to human endurance.