KyivofMine
The Dream.
The Nightmare.
The Change.
The project
In 2018 we started shooting a documentary about modern life in Kyiv. We had met many tech entrepreneurs in Kyiv and this was our starting point. The world of innovation and creativity in Ukraine’s magical capital of Kyiv.
What became evident during our film making in 2018 and 2019 was that the negative stereotypes that haunt Ukraine needed to be challenged. And so we focused on a fresh narrative - the people of Ukraine, in particular, Kyiv, and what makes them so unique. We had half a film by the start of the pandemic, and then in 2022, as mask wearing came to an end, we thought it was all systems go again. But bombs fell out of the sky on the 24th of February that year and we knew life had changed. And of course, our film had to change too. This was no longer a story about the people of Ukraine redefining their identity. It was a story about survival - about a country's struggle to defend its language, traditions and culture from a neighbour hell-bent on destroying it. Now, it was more important than ever to try and capture the spirit of modern Ukraine.
Having already interviewed a diverse group of citizens before the war, we were in a fortunate position. We had an opportunity to see how the lives of our characters had changed: a chef, a painter, a computer programmer, a tech entrepreneur, a lawyer, a property developer, a filmmaker, a professor, a games developer, a pig farmer, an IT executive, a fragrance shop owner and a real estate broker. Were these people going to run for the hills, or would they remain defiant? Would they crumble, or would they resist?
"Kyiv of Mine" is a story about ordinary people in an extraordinary time. People who have chosen to continue to work, get married, have babies - to continue to live, and laugh, against all odds.
This is not a war story. This is not a story about death and demise. This is a story about life - a story that will make you laugh, cry and realise that, in the end, we all want the same things. Love. Security. Freedom.
Trailer
Feature film documentary - still in production
The motivation
Ukraine deserves a better conversation in the world. A conversation that isn't centred around war.
Kyiv has to be one of the world's best kept secrets. To anyone who had the privilege of experiencing this city before Russia's full-scale invasion, they would know that Ukraine’s capital was on track to becoming a top European hotspot. And for good reason. The city was booming. Creativity and entrepreneurship was on the rise, and there was a palpable sense of excitement amongst the people about the potential and future of their country. In fact, you would often hear Kyiv referred to as "the next Berlin".
Our film is a love letter to this city. It highlights and celebrates what the world will be missing out on if Kyiv ceases to exist - the food, the tech, the culture, the innovation and most importantly the people. It's a city worth investing in, worth nurturing, worth protecting.
stills
Some still frames from the film
INSPIRATION
Viewers share their impressions :
THE TEAM
This was made with love by
Anton Tkachenko
Anton was born and raised in Kyiv and he loves this city. He and the film team have worked for a long time on this labour of love that we all hope will capture your imagination. Anton loved showing the film team the magical places and people that one can find in Kyiv all over. Anton loves making beautiful images and believes that this city is a photographer's dream. Anton and Ronnie can often be found eating delicious food at Spicy No Spicy. If you ever see them there, come and join them - they would be happy to meet you.
Craig Freimond
Craig is an award-winning writer and director of films, television and theatre. He has written and directed five feature films. Gums & Noses, Jozi, Material, Beyond the River and New Material. Craig writes extensively for television in Africa, most notably the worldwide hit Blood Sisters set in Nigeria. Kyiv of Mine is Craig’s second feature length documentary, the first being “57” made in 2022 about South Africa’s murder rate.
Jolyon Ellis
Following a stint in the performance arts, Jolyon decided to pursue a career behind the camera. Writing and directing a number of short films, music videos and documentary profiles, he found himself naturally drawn to the post end of the production process. Although continuing to write, direct and shoot his own work, editing soon became his primary pursuit, and human interest documentaries his core area of focus. Together with his editing partner, Janine King, he has completed two long-form documentaries: Steve Biko - The Power of the Word, and 57 - Decoding South Africa's Murder Rate. Kyiv of Mine will be their third documentary project as co-editors.
Janine King
Janine grew up in a small town in Kwa Zulu Natal. She knew the Phantom of the Opera word for word by the age of four and her love for music and film never waivered. Her father recommended selling detergents and cleaning products by setting up a shop with chemicals in the family garage, but she kept strong and pursued her love for the arts. Janine went to film school after saving every penny by working overseas, caring for demented old ladies and very loud children. She is now an editor for documentaries and shorts and as far as we know there are no demented old ladies or very loud children around. It's quiet and cozy and creative - just how she likes it.
Philile Nzimande
Philile is a highly talented filmmaker specializing in copyright law, licensing, research, film producing, and directing. Her strong archive producing background positively influences and shapes the direction of a story in line with archival material. No documentary is complete without her expertise. She positively influences the direction of content in line with available visuals, and within budget.
Artem Moskalenko
IP lawyer
IP rights purchase manager
Ronnie Apteker
Ronnie was born in South Africa and is a tech entrepreneur, writer and indie film maker. Ronnie came to live in Kyiv quite a few years ago and loves giving foreigners, and some locals, tours of the city.
Marta Apteker
Marta was born in western Ukraine, grew up in the central part of the country, and eventually settled in Kyiv. With over 10 years of experience in IT, Marta is passionate about marketing and communications. Beyond her career, she embodies the spirit of a typical Ukrainian woman — devoted to her family, caring, and always eager to bring people together around the table with good food.