A documentary film by filmmaker Anton Ptushkin tells the story of rescuing pets during military operations in Ukraine. The film broke several national film distribution records for non-fiction films.
Documentary hit
Record box office receipts
Anton Ptushkin’s debut feature film “We, Our Darlings and the War” became an absolute hit leader among documentaries in terms of box office receipts in Ukraine. During the first weekend of release, from April 4 to April 7, the film earned a record UAH 2.3 million for a domestic non-fiction film. On the first day of release, April 4, the film set a one-day box office record for documentaries in the amount of UAH 359 thousand.
Large-scale release
The film was shown in 142 cinemas on 174 screens across the country with approximately 240 sessions daily. As of early April, about 190 cinema halls were operating in Ukraine. Approximately 13,440 viewers watched the film on its premiere weekend. For comparison, the sensational documentary film “20 days in Mariupol” collected only 2.1 million UAH and a little more than 17 thousand viewers in 16 weeks of release.
Production and budget
Filming started on August 20, 2022 and lasted about a year and a half . During this time, the director conducted about 60 interviews in more than ten cities of Ukraine, including Bakhmut shortly before the Russian occupation. Filming was also organized in Spain, the Netherlands and Poland. The total volume of footage was about 85 hours of video.
The budget of the Ukrainian version of “We, Our Pets and War” is estimated at approximately 100 thousand dollars. The total budget for the international co-production with the Canadian film company Yap Films is hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to a statement by producer Zoya Soshenko. Thanks to the partnership with Canada and subsequent sales of screening rights, the film was able to almost completely pay for itself.
International release
The tape will be released on digital platforms in the summer of 2024, the first distributor was the Megogo service. An international version entitled Saving the Animals of Ukraine, focusing on the fate of animals, was acquired by the American broadcaster PBS and the Canadian television channel CBC. The film team aims to realize the rights to show it also in Europe, especially in France, Italy, Poland and Germany.
Glossary
- Anton Ptushkin is a Ukrainian blogger and film director of the documentary film “We, Our Pets and War”.
- Green Light Films is a distribution company that distributed the film in Ukraine.
- Yap Films is a Canadian film company that co-produced the film.
- PBS is an American public television broadcaster that acquired the rights to the international version of the tape.
- CBC is a Canadian television channel that also bought international distribution rights.
Links
- Anton Ptushkin’s film earned UAH 2.3 million in the first weekend - this record for documentary films
- Thanks to benefits from Canada, the budget of the film “We, Our Pets and the War” was practically recouped
Answers to questions
What is the main theme of the documentary film “Us, Our Pets and the War”?
What records did the film break at the Ukrainian box office?
How long did it take to shoot the film and what was its budget?
Where and when will the film be released internationally?
Who is the director and producer of the film?
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Discussion of the topic – Anton Ptushkin’s film “We, Our Darlings and War” breaks documentary film records in Ukraine
The film by Ukrainian director Anton Ptushkin “We, Our Darlings and War” collected UAH 2.3 million at the national box office in its first weekend, setting a new record for documentary films in Ukraine.
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Максим
It's great that documentary films are in high demand! Anton Ptushkin's film is truly amazing, very emotional and sincere. Animals often become unwitting victims of human conflicts. 🐾
Екатерина
I agree, this film touches on the important topic of caring for pets during war. I admire people who risk themselves to save defenseless animals. 🐶
Николай
I recently watched the film and was very impressed! The documentarians showed the war from a completely new perspective. It's great that projects like this are becoming commercially successful. 🎥
Валерия
It’s great that Ukrainian cinema raises current issues! I love sincere and emotional films, and this story, filmed against the backdrop of war, will forever remain in my memory. 🇺🇦
Грыц
Much ado about nothing, the film is worthless and hypocritical. Instead of people suffering in the war, they film some cats and dogs. Although, maybe it’s for the better - documentaries about animals are still better than about people. 😒
Оксана
Agree, it’s hard to remain indifferent when you see the love and care with which people treat their pets. This film has soul! 👏
Максим
You know, my friend just took part in the filming in Bakhmut! He says it was very difficult and scary, but they did everything possible to get as many animals out of there as possible. ✌️
Лена
Let me share my story: one day my husband and I adopted a stray dog from a shelter. Of course, it took time to adapt, but now our Rex is a full-fledged member of the family. 🐕
Виктор
It’s wonderful that there are such socially significant films! I think everyone will find something close to them in it. Love for animals unites people, and in such difficult times this is especially important. 💪
Мария
I like that the film shows not only pain and suffering, but also mercy and humanity. Stories like this inspire and support faith in the best. ✨
Влад
I think the film will be a hit at international festivals. Recently, documentary films have been gaining popularity around the world. 🌍
Надя
I agree with those who say that the film turned out to be very touching. I was especially struck by the footage of people risking their lives to rescue their pets. 😢
Артем
It’s great that the film was made internationally, with the involvement of foreign investors. This will help tell the world the truth about the war. 🌎
Юля
Does anyone know where I can watch the movie online? I want to see this heartbreaking documentary with my own eyes! 🤔
Игорь
Personally, I am delighted with such successful examples of domestic cinema! The film raises important issues of humanism; Ukrainians showed the whole world how kind and sympathetic they are. 🇺🇦💪