Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker and activist, has been fighting against Moscow since before he joined the Ukrainian Defense Forces in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Initially using his camera to document the annexation of Crimea, Sentsov was arrested by Russian forces and sentenced to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges. Through a collective effort led by the European Film Academy, Amnesty International, and the European Parliament, Sentsov was finally released in 2019 as part of a prisoner swap.
Despite his time in prison, Sentsov continued to work on films such as “Numbers” and “Rhino,” which explore themes of authoritarianism and corruption in Ukraine. His latest project, “Real,” takes a different approach, capturing the raw reality of war in a single unedited take. The film immerses viewers in a tense scenario on the front lines where Sentsov, now a soldier, navigates a desperate situation.
“Real” offers a stark portrayal of the harsh truths of war, challenging traditional narratives and heroism associated with conflict. The film, set to premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, delivers a gripping and immersive experience that reveals the brutality and senselessness of war, urging viewers to confront the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the front lines.