Introduction to a Documentary
The scene is set in a pine forest near Izium, a city on the Doneets River in East Ukraine, where empty graves are scattered everywhere. These graves held the bodies of hundreds of civilians killed by Russian soldiers in spring 2022. The bodies were exhumed for examination, revealing that some of the people buried here were subjected to terrible torture. This forest, along with Bucha, a city northwest of Kyiv, is a site of some of the most serious Russian war crimes in Ukraine.
A Visitor’s Reaction
One visitor, Petra, finds the sand in the forest to be similar to beach sand, evoking a strange feeling in this context. She comments on the pleasant smell of the pine needles and the beauty of the forest. Later, Petra expresses her belief that everything about the graves and the war crimes is "fake," suggesting it’s material for Ukrainian propaganda to maintain hate against Russians. She views it as something from a textbook on nationalism.
The Documentary "The Great Patriotic Trip"
This scene is part of the documentary "The Great Patriotic Trip" by Czech director Robin Kvapil. The film follows three Czech civilians, Ivo, Nikola, and Petra, who hold anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian views. They were taken to Ukraine to witness the reality of Russia’s war firsthand. The documentary captures their reactions and reflections as they visit sites of war crimes and destruction.
Threats Against the Director
The documentary premiered in the Czech Republic on August 21, coinciding with the anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. It has sparked intense debate and controversy, with the director receiving both support and criticism, including anonymous threats against himself and his family.
The Czech Republic’s Political Climate
The documentary’s release comes at a time of political tension in the Czech Republic, with parliamentary elections scheduled for early October. The right-populist ANO party, which tends towards a pro-Russian policy, is expected to perform well. Other pro-Russian parties, including the Communist Party and a right-wing extremist party, may also gain seats in parliament.
Searching for Conspiracy Theorists
Director Robin Kvapil found his protagonists through a newspaper advertisement seeking individuals with doubts about mainstream media information on the war in Ukraine. Ivo, Nikola, and Petra, all in their mid-50s, were selected for the documentary. They represent a range of backgrounds and professions but share anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian views.
The Journey to Ukraine
The group, along with Kvapil and his team, traveled to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Along the way, they witnessed the massive destruction in the city, including a bombed hospital and the Salivka district, which is almost completely uninhabitable due to Russian bombing. They visited children attending school in bunkers, spoke to residents, and went to a village near the front before visiting the forest with the empty graves near Izium.
Reflections and Reactions
Ivo, Nikola, and Petra shared their thoughts and reactions to what they saw, ranging from shocking to dismissive. They questioned the intention behind the attacks on civilians and suggested that rockets sometimes miss their targets. Nikola made a disturbing comment about possible Russian soldiers sexually attacking children, attributing it to the nature of men.
Has the Road Trip Changed Hearts and Minds?
Despite the emotional and disturbing experiences, the three Czech civilians showed little change in their opinions. When a Ukrainian man shared his tragic story of loss, Petra showed empathy, but overall, their views on the war and Russia’s involvement remained unchanged. The director reflects on this, noting that even after witnessing the reality of the war, they continued to spread the narrative of a monstrous regime committing genocide.
Conclusion
The documentary ends with a discussion between the director and the three civilians. Kvapil expresses his realization that there is a world where people like Ivo, Nikola, and Petra see everything but continue to support a narrative that justifies genocide. He fears that if such views prevail and weaken the system, some people may not be safe. Nikola’s response, suggesting that this is how it will happen, leaves a dark and uncertain conclusion. The director himself comes to a somber realization, questioning the attempt to understand and agree with everyone at all costs as a potential weakness that could lead to losing not just the war of information but the real war as well.
