Anton Shtuka ist Dokumentarfilmer und Fotograph aus der Ukraine. Sein Film The Last Prometheus of Donbas ist in diesem Jahr für den Friedensfilmpreis Osnabrück nominiert. Aufgrund des russischen Angriffskrieges und der Gesetzeslage in der Ukraine darf er nicht aus dem Land ausreisen und kann daher nicht am Festival teilnehmen. Anton hat uns aber ein kurzes Video geschickt, in dem er über die aktuelle Situation in Kyjiw und im Donbas spricht.

Anton’s Directors Statement:

The film’s uniqueness lies in its access to a closed enterprise located in a war zone, an environment rarely portrayed in such detail. Therefore, each personal story of an energy worker who lives in such a location and works at such an object is already something quite unique. Additionally, the evacuation of such a large-scale enterprise as a power plant is also a unique event, especially considering that this is happening to this plant for the second time (!) and is a mirror reflection of the events of World War II.

The international audience will likely be drawn to the film due to the global relevance of energy crises and attacks on the critical infrastructure, particularly as these issues have extended beyond Ukraine to become a major humanitarian concern. The connection to World War II history adds a layer of universality to the story, making it relatable to audiences worldwide. Themes of threat to life, selfless service, and leaving one’s home resonate with people across different cultures, further enhancing its appeal.

Lastly, may motivation stems from a personal mission. Having gaines unique access to this war-zone facility and developed relationships with the workers, me and the team feel a responisibility to tell the story from firsthand experience, offering insights that others could not. This access and perspective make the film both a personal achievement and an important contribution to documenting the human impact of war.