Blooming Resilience: A Dive into 'Flowers of Ukraine' at DOK Leipzig

In a world often overshadowed by conflict and despair, Adelina Borets unexpectedly offers a glimmering glade of resilience through her enchanting documentary, Flowers of Ukraine. Set against the somber backdrop of war, the film invites us into the vibrant life of Natalia, a Kyiv woman whose passionate battle for her garden stands as a metaphor for Ukraine itself in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Imagine, if you will, Kyiv in 2021: streets bustling with life, but lurking beyond lies the specter of invading forces. Amidst towering tenements and the relentless encroachment of property developers, Natalia cultivates a serene oasis. It’s a delightful patch of greenery where chickens meander, goats frolic on parked cars, and the sweetest tomatoes flourish amidst the chaos. Here, in a patch of paradise, the greatest perils are the goats' penchant for destruction rather than the distant sound of conflict.

Borets paints a portrait of Natalia—a woman whose spirit shines like the summer sun. Encircled by her eclectic family, complete with two ex-husbands, she embodies a narrative of joyous defiance. There’s an air about her reminiscent of Agnes Varda—a warmth that draws you in, making you forget, even for a moment, the darkness closing in. With each scene, we glimpse Natalia’s past; a world of memories from lessons taught in Russian, underscoring the rich tapestry of Ukrainian identity woven through struggles and triumphs.

But then, like an unwelcome cold front, the storm of war arrives. An eviction notice, a visit from a slick development representative seeking to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot”—this is where the real drama starts to unfold. Initially, Borets appears drawn to the classic narrative of David versus Goliath, but suddenly, as the sky darkens with the ominous arrival of war, Natalia’s fight morphs into something far more profound.

In a testament to human resilience, she refuses to flee. “I am not running away,” Natalia declares with unshakeable resolve. “I have nowhere to run.” Herein lies the essence of Borets' documentary—an earnest celebration of steadfastness amid turmoil. As Natalia constructs her bomb shelter, furthers her commitment to her nation, and even concocts Molotov cocktails, we witness the wondrous transformation of her garden—a place that blossoms against the odds.

The cinematography captures the strings of changing seasons: snowy funerals draped in sorrow, marigold seeds lovingly sown in the ground, and autumn rains swirling over wilting roses. Each frame embodies the community spirit that fuels Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to be subdued. The poignant strains of Ukrainian folk music quartet DakhaBrakha resonate throughout the documentary, amplifying the emotional chord of solidarity that threads through every scene.

As Borets navigates through themes of death and sacrifice, she adeptly sidesteps the bleakness that often accompanies tales of war. Instead, she cultivates a garden rich with hope, suggesting that as long as flowers bloom, life’s beauty prevails, even amidst chaos. In this surprisingly uplifting documentary, the audience is left with a lingering belief that, perhaps, everything will be alright—as long as the flowers of Ukraine continue to bloom.

The production to this vibrantly hopeful narrative is a triumph in itself, brought to life by Gogol Film, Koskino, and DI Factory. With Borets at the helm, it’s a cinematic exploration that begs us to cherish our roots, celebrate resilience, and, above all, let our own flowers bloom in every corner of our lives.