“Flowers from the Frontline” is a three-part documentary film about the impact of war on the art and lives of Ukrainian artists. It tells the stories of a ballerina, a violinist, a monumental painter, and soldier-poets serving on the front lines. The film explores how art becomes a source of beauty and joy in a world filled with pain.
The project began as a short documentary by Carmela Corbett, originally focusing on the creative collaboration between Olga Morozova and Phoebe Walsh. Since then, it has expanded into a much broader vision. No doubt, many documentaries will be made to chronicle the catastrophic consequences of war and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.“We, however, focus on a different aspect. After the war ends — when memories survive only in the minds of witnesses or the pages of history books — it will be the art created during that time that continues to live. We aim to explore the work of visionary artists who create despite the war. Like Olga, who paints her city in flames from bombings, but still conveys the joy and resilience of the Ukrainian people through her palette of ‘bold colours,’ as noted by Godfrey Barker, former art critic of The Evening Standard.”
Filming is ongoing and currently has no set completion date. Everyone working on “Flowers from the Frontline” remains committed to their subjects throughout the war, and they intend to keep that promise — however long the road may be.
The teaser of the film, which is still in progress, can be found at the link below.:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iydWzXH8TcJzdqHOthL_LSJLFwFd3H2y/view?usp=sharing
Special thanks to teacher, writer, and editor Natalia Skulykova, who works with Ukrainian soldiers and veterans. Using writing as a tool for healing and a way to document the present, her dedicated efforts have given us a unique opportunity to hear these vital voices.
Carmela Corbett: "I witnessed the dialogue and relationship between my friend Phoebe and Olga unfold over many months. I was truly moved by how such a powerful creative force could ignite amid such darkness. I had the great privilege of keeping a lens focused on their worlds for months. I hope that through our joint work on this documentary, more attention will be brought to supporting the artists of Ukraine. The video chronicle, still in production, has since grown to include stories of Ukrainian ballet dancers, musicians, and other artists who draw strength from their work. We strive to explore the place of visionary creators amid conflict — like Olga Morozova, who paints portraits of her hometown, capturing the joy and resilience of the Ukrainian people through the language of colour."