Atlantis

In 2025, one year after the war ended, Ukrainian soldier Sergey returned to real life. The days after the trauma were not easy. The factory supervisor was disgusted, a colleague committed suicide, the factory was closed and he lost his job. Even the iron at home didn't work, so he could only vent his anger by shooting humanoid targets in the wild. Unemployed, he joined the "Black Tulip" project to exhume the remains of soldiers by chance, and met volunteer Katya. While digging in the deserted land, it was like digging up his own traumatized self, opening up the carrion eroded by the war, hoping to grow the courage to survive. The war between Ukraine and Russia brought unprecedented ecological disaster. The director used unique lens language, stunning scenes and photography to create a theater-like stage for the characters. The land and water sources polluted by landmines, abandoned mines and factories highlight how insignificant and useless people are in the face of the cold post-war situation. The film also cleverly incorporates the works of the famous former Soviet director Digavetov, recreating a satirical and humorous life story. "In Ukraine, you have to be an optimist." - Valentin Vasyanovich