Although theAcademy Awardsoften celebrate films likeDune: Part TwoandWicked,which were already broadly successful both critically and commercially, the ceremony also plays an important role in drawing attention to projects that would not have received the same exposure otherwise. This is particularly relevant within the Best Documentary Feature race; there are fewer opportunities for documentaries to be successful at the box office, and it can often be a challenge for viewers to determine which nonfiction films are worthwhile, given the plethora of options available on streaming services.The nominees for this year’s Academy Award for Best Documentaryaren’t just impressive feats of filmmaking, but bold statements that have the ability to inspire real change. Although it was considered an awards underdog,Porcelain Waris a haunting, yet beautiful examination of the artists who strive to retain their creativity amidst the crisis in Ukraine.
What Is ‘Porcelain War’ About?
Porcelain Warfollows a group of Ukrainian defense members in Kharkiv, which has become a particularly dangerous area due to its proximity to Russia. DocumentarianBrendan Bellomofollows his co-directorSlava Leontyevand their allyAnya Stasenkoas they construct a series of porcelain figures crafted to emphasize their national pride. These works of art require meticulous attention-to-detail, and the film takes time to show the extensive lengths that the creators go to to ensure that each feels unique. Although it is quite inspiring to see the cultural value that these porcelain figures have, the film does not in any way dismiss the danger that the Ukrainian forces face; similar to last year’s Best Documentary Feature winner,20 Days in Mariupol,Porcelain Warcaptures jaw dropping footage of warin which both the subjects and filmmakers are in danger.
No Oscar Snub Hurts Harder Than This
Academy, explain yourselves!
Although the industry often uses the Academy Awards as a means of patting itself on the back,Porcelain Warisa truly heroic piece of filmmakingthat emerged from a harrowing situation. The fact that any footage from this devastating conflict was salvageable is an achievement in its own right, and it is even more impressive thatPorcelain Warwas able to merge its interviews, dailies, and archive material into an immersive experience.Porcelain Wardoes not have the ambition to capture the entire scope of the conflict in Ukraine, as to do so would require a far more in-depth deconstruction of the political background. The value that the film has is its ability to humanize its subjects and draw out the individuality of the Ukrainian people that face oppression. While there have been documentaries dedicated to showcasing immense tragedy,Porcelain Warseeks to show how a culture’s artistic endeavors represent the spirit of its people.
‘Porcelain War’ Shows the Importance of Art
Porcelain Warexamines why these creations are so integral to the Ukrainian defense movement, as it is important for these people to have something that will be left behind. The film goes to great lengths to show the relentless destruction that surrounds its subjects, with many historic buildings and sights being devastated by Russian forces. While the preservation of tangible objects is less important than the survival of people, it is a very dispiriting experience for these survivors to watch as their home is torn apart. The film is very judicious in how it shows the meaning that each porcelain figure has; although pouring effort into a positive action does allow some of these defenders to divert their attentionduring a historic period of conflict,it also allows them to imbue their values on objects that will be remembered by future generations.
Despite being a film that has activism on its mind,Porcelain Waris a tremendous piece of visual storytellingthat takes risks with the way that it presents its material. Unlike other documentaries that rely on talking heads and archive footage,Porcelain Warallows its viewers to face the same overwhelming disruptions that the characters do, and even includes a good amount of naturalistic music from Ukrainian folk artists. While the subject material may be uncomfortable to cope with,Porcelain Warwill hopefully find more audiences thatappreciate the bravery of its artistry.
