A Simple Soldier

A gun for the independence of Ukraine, a camera as a way to remain human. A cinematographer becomes a soldier and tells his story straight from the frontlines.

When the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine begins, cinematographer Artem Ryzhykov volunteers to join the Ukrainian army. Equipped with a machine gun and a camera, the filmmaker documents his life as a soldier. But soon it becomes obvious that imagination and reality are drifting apart. While at first exploding bombs shock him so much that he falls to the ground, euphoria and sensitivity gradually get lost on the battlefield. Ryzhykov slowly loses his observer’s perspective, the camera degenerates into a ‘toy’ and is replaced by the weapon. He can see himself losing his humanity. And even then, he consciously chooses to pick up the camera.

Therefore this film is an act of struggle to save the identity of the Ukrainian people. Saving their humour, warmth, love, and camaraderie.

Toronto International Film Festival 2025
Sheffield DocFest 2025
Odesa International Film Festival 2025 — Best Ukrainian Feature Documentary, FIPRESCI International Film Critics Award
DOK Leipzig 2025 — Leipziger Ring Film Award
Ukrainian Film Academy 2026 — Discovery of the Year Award