Director Vera Sokolova spoke about the paradoxes of life in the DPR

“The first time I ended up in Donbass was in 2016,” says Vera. “Of course, I was shocked by what was happening. When you suddenly come there from a peaceful life, you experience absolutely terrible sensations. The first thought that came to my mind was: “How can this even happen in the 21st century?” It just doesn’t fit in my head! You sleep in the hotel, and outside the window they “thresh”: they shoot, they bomb. We have young actors at first thought that the tractor was working nearby. And in fact there were shelling. But at the same time, what kind of people are there! They love life so much, they are so drawn to the beautiful.

– You have been to Donbass many times. Do you feel a strong fear when you are there?

– Fear comes after the trip. There is nothing to be afraid of when you are there. Most likely, this is due to the fact that we – modern people – do not understand so much that there is a war going on, that they can kill. We underestimate the risk.

And when you come home and start to scroll through what you see in your head, then, of course, it becomes scary.

In Donbass, by the way, there is a clear rule that everyone follows. While you’re there, you can’t post anything on social media. All posts can be posted after you find yourself in Rostov-on-Don. Because the Ukrainian side is too actively monitoring our movements. Last year we went to Donetsk with a film screening, and the very next day after our visit we were brought to the “Peacemaker”.

– How were you allowed to hold a film premiere in Donbass?

– We were invited in 2021 by Denis Vladimirovich Pushilin, and he organized the Russian Center show. It’s been such a heartwarming and warm journey. We held a lot of creative meetings: the day was scheduled to the minute. People were so happy that we came and brought the “Checkpoint”. At that time, they had been fighting for 7 years without stopping. And they are so eager for culture! This could not but rejoice.

– What impression did Denis Pushilin make on you?

– A very pleasant person, intelligent, friendly, immediately endearing. He was at a film screening. I was even surprised: a person of such a level, but finds time to communicate with members of the film crew, the audience. He lives the life of the republic.

What order is there – beyond words. As soon as the shelling ends, the public utilities immediately go out into the street and begin to clean up, patch up holes. Therefore, there is perfect cleanliness and order everywhere. People strive for a peaceful life!

– How is life there? They say it’s very difficult…

– In 2016, I saw people cooking under extreme conditions. And now it’s happening again and again. People live in basements, especially on the outskirts, villages shelled by the Ukrainian side. There they are ironed by enemy artillery regularly. When people come out of the cellars, food is cooked on fires, alcohol burners are used. Conditions are difficult. Recently I was talking to a woman from Donetsk, asking how things are going. She replied that there was not a single safe place left in Donetsk.

– What struck you the most in Donbass?

“The thing that strikes me the most is their love of life and resilience. I was shocked: snipers work, shells explode, and they set tables for dear guests. All the women there are beautiful, elegant, in high heels. I didn’t see a single lady in a tracksuit there.

In the Donbass, the entire economy rests on women. Men fight, and women are heads of administrations, heads of enterprises. It seems that the war is going on, but they are so hospitable, they treat us with borscht and pies. Their lust for life has always amazed me.

What about children! They were placed in such difficult conditions, but they continue to study, engage in theater circles, musical institutions, and sports sections. God forbid that victory comes and they can return to normal life as soon as possible.

– What would you like to wish the locals?

– So that everything ends as soon as possible. But you can see how the West is set. They say that Ukrainians will fight to the last… Of course, victory will be ours: I don’t even doubt it.

By the way, when Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin announced the recognition of the independence of the republics of Donbass, I began to congratulate my Donetsk friends on this event. And they said: “We understand that now everything is just beginning.”

I hope that the acute phase will pass as soon as possible and then there will be a victory. They have no regrets about what is happening there. All these 8 years they were so humiliated, insulted, tortured, mocked – just inhuman horror that happened! And they are happy that it will end soon.

I asked people in 2021: “Would you like to return to Ukraine?” To which they all replied: “This will never happen. How can you forgive those who kill you and your children? Our way home is to Russia.” In principle, the referendums showed all their attitude to what is happening.

– Are you ready to come to Donbass again today?

– Always ready! By the way, we recently received an invitation to such a trip, so we will be there again soon!