Dad's Lullaby
(Photo : Dad's Lullaby)
Dad's Lullaby poster
  • Lesia Diak's docu-drama 'Dad's Lullaby' is set for its Asia premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2024.
  • The film explores the trauma of a Ukrainian veteran, Serhiy, and his struggle to reconnect with his family after war.
  • Lesia hopes the film will raise awareness of Ukraine's realities amid Russian aggression and spark conversations about war's aftermath.
  • 'Dad's Lullaby' follows a tradition of films exploring the human cost of war, shedding light on the human condition and resilience in adversity.

The global film industry is abuzz with the news that Ukrainian film director and producer Lesia Diak's docu-drama 'Dad's Lullaby' is set to make its Asia premiere at the prestigious Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2024. This announcement follows the film's global premiere in the Documentary Competition section at the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival and its recent showcase at DocLisboa 2024.

'Dad's Lullaby' is a war-centric docu-drama that offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of the profound personal and emotional toll of war. The narrative is centered around Serhiy, a Ukrainian veteran who returns home after three years of conflict. The film explores the lingering trauma of his experiences and his struggle to reconnect with his wife and three young sons, each relationship strained by his long absence and the haunting memories of war.

Lesia Diak, the creative force behind the film, brings a profoundly personal perspective to the narrative. Her inspiration for the film was drawn from her own experiences and connection with a war veteran. In 2016, moved by the emotional challenges she faced in her relationship with a Ukrainian soldier, Lesia launched a blog for partners of veterans. This blog laid the foundation for 'Dad's Lullaby,' marking a significant milestone in her journey as a filmmaker.

Asia Premiere and Lesia's Expectations

Speaking about the film's Asia premiere, Lesia expressed her honor and excitement. I am truly honoured to present Dad's Lullaby and share the story of war veteran Serhiy, his family, and my journey with Indian audiences, she said. She expressed hope that the story of Serhiy and his family would resonate with the audience. She also expressed her gratitude to the Dharamshala International Film Festival for hosting the Asia premiere of her film.

Lesia believes that 'Dad's Lullaby' will help raise awareness of the harsh realities Ukraine faces amid Russian aggression. This belief underscores the film's broader socio-political relevance and its potential to spark meaningful conversations about war and its aftermath.

'Dad's Lullaby' marks Lesia's debut as a feature filmmaker. The film was also penned by her and follows her acclaimed short documentary 'Wounds,' which earned the Best Documentary Award at the 2024 Zlin Film Festival in the Czech Republic. This recognition further attests to Lesia's storytelling prowess and her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Collaborative Effort and Historical Context

The film is a collaborative effort, co-produced by Lesia along with Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan, Elena Martin, and Hrvoje Osvadić. This team of talented filmmakers has worked tirelessly to bring this poignant story to the screen, contributing their unique perspectives and expertise to the project.

The premiere of 'Dad's Lullaby' at the Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2024 is a significant event in the history of Ukrainian cinema. It follows a long tradition of films that explore the human cost of war, such as 'The Deer Hunter,' 'Apocalypse Now,' and 'Platoon.' These films, like 'Dad's Lullaby,' delve into the psychological impact of war on soldiers and their families, offering a stark portrayal of the realities of conflict.