Kyiv Independent documentary “Can You Hear Me?” to premiere in US
The Kyiv Independent is proud to announce the U.S. premiere of its full-length documentary, “Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics,” hosted in collaboration with the Embassies of Sweden and Ukraine, and the Charitable Foundation Repower.
Join the screening of the film in Washington (Oct. 10) or New York (Oct. 14) by filling in the form (Washington, New York).
Screening in Washington will include a discussion with the Kyiv Independent’s editor-in-chief, Olga Rudenko, moderated by Jason Bellini, international correspondent for Scripps News.
Screening in New York will be followed by a discussion with Alexandra Domaradsky of Razom for Ukraine, Dr. Anastasiia Vlasenko from the Harriman Institute at Columbia University , and Sebastian Lindstrom, Head of International Cooperation at the Charitable Foundation Repower, moderated by Jane Ferguson, an award-winning journalist.
Co-authored by Kyiv Independent journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko, the film offers a rare and intimate look into the psychological toll of war on Ukraine’s military medics.
Following a group of Ukrainian medics from the chaos of battle to the quiet forests of Sweden, the documentary captures their journey to a mental health retreat — an unprecedented opportunity to process trauma accumulated since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The medics open up about surviving captivity, losing comrades, and living with the guilt of not being able to save every life.
“At this stage of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, I believe the film’s message has only grown more urgent,” says Francis Farrell. “Much is said about peace, yet very little is done to achieve it. Our film reminds the world that Ukraine’s war effort is sustained not just by military aid, but by the resilience of its people.”
“This film sheds light on the everyday realities faced by military medics — ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of courage,” adds Olena Zashko. “Mental health challenges affect every nation touched by war, and this story resonates far beyond Ukraine.”
Premiered in Kyiv on Dec. 12, 2024, “Can You Hear Me?” has since been screened in 18 countries, including at embassies and the European Parliament, with support from Ukrainian and Swedish diplomatic missions. The film was produced over nine months and included multiple trips to the front line and a 10-day retreat in Sweden, organized by Ukrainian charity Repower with special permission from Ukraine’s high command.
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Olena Zashko,
