“Dram” is a deeply moving documentary that recounts the tragic events surrounding the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theater in March 2022, one of the most poignant symbols of the brutality of the war in Ukraine. Through the personal stories of actors from the theater, who either survived or managed to flee just before the tragedy, the film reveals the unbreakable spirit of those caught in the heart of conflict.

Director Yulian Ulybin uses a powerful combination of archival footage and personal testimonies to recreate life under siege. Viewers witness how Mariupol residents, including the theater actors, survived amid constant shelling, cooking on makeshift stoves and performing surgeries in impossible conditions. However, the film goes beyond depicting tragedy. It also shows the process of recovery and creative expression through a theater performance that the actors staged in Uzhhorod, based on their personal experiences of the theater’s destruction. This performance becomes a symbol of resilience and rebirth.

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The film highlights the crucial role of art during wartime. The Mariupol Drama Theater, once a place of joy and creativity, became a symbol not only of destruction but also of regeneration. Despite the horrors they faced, the actors continued their mission, using art as a means of restoring inner strength and preserving their national identity.

“Dram” was recognized at the Odesa International Film Festival for its depth and masterful portrayal of human stories in times of war. The film was also created in collaboration with the Voices of Peace museum, emphasizing its importance as a documentary testament to the war crimes committed in Ukraine. This is more than a war documentary—it’s a story of human resilience and the strength of spirit that helps people survive and maintain hope in the darkest of times.

This film invites viewers to feel the tragedy of Mariupol and witness the strength of those who, despite the war, held on to their dignity and continued creating art in the harshest conditions.

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