Made before the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, ‘Train Kyiv-War’ is a window into the conflict between the two nations, told through a series of train rides

Ukrainian filmmaker Sergiy Pudich produced a strong, thought-provoking documentary called Train Kyiv-War, which was recently presented at a film club in Bangkok. More screenings are planned of the film, which was made in 2020 but has gained relevance today with its focus on the war in Ukraine.

The war discussed in the film is not about the ongoing invasion. The film, directed by another Ukrainian film talent, Korniy Gricyuk, traces the origins of what became the current conflict, as far back as 2014, when Russia began occupying territories in the eastern part of Ukraine. The film follows multiple train journeys between the capital city of Kyiv and the eastern town of Konstantinovka, the last stop before the war zone. This train ride brings the film’s subjects from a place of peace to one of war.

In an exclusive interview with Sergiy Pudich, we began to understand that his country has been deeply divided for nearly a decade.

Sergiy Pudich, producer of ‘Train Kyiv-War’

Tell us something about yourself.

My first education was in political science, and my secondary education was in psychology (10 years in all). I was always doing films in parallel. Soon I became a full time filmmaker and made commercials, films, social advertising, and documentaries. When one of my commercials won an award with prize money, I realized this profession could make money. One of the prizes I won was a 4-month filmmaker’s course at Kyiv Academy of Media Arts. So, I left my hometown of Odesa and shifted to the capital city of Kyiv.

I started making short films in many genres: horror, sci-fi, romance, which won many awards around the globe. I also met my Italian wife Laura in Kyiv, who came there with her UN agency. After we married, we went to China for three years, and we’ve just moved to Bangkok.

You’ve made short films in every part of the world that you’ve lived in. Will something come out of your time in Thailand?

I’ve made short films in Ukraine, Italy, and China. As for Thailand, I’m seriously considering making my first feature film here.

After directing so many brilliant short films, why did you turn producer for Train Kyiv-War?

The story was fundamental to tell, for the director and me. The train is full of diverse people with diverse political views, even within the same family. If many were pro-Russian, it was because they lived in the eastern region of Ukraine, which was the main place for Russian propaganda. The director made at least 40 trips on the train to get maximum people to talk, which was not an easy job at all. 

Still from ‘Train Kyiv-War’

What were the reactions to the film?

It got a fresh lease of life, after the current war broke out in February, and has been screened at festivals worldwide. We had many special screenings and raised money to support Ukraine.

What is your response to the current war?

It seems unbelievable that in the 21st century, one country should launch a full-scale war, using tanks and missiles, with the sole idea of occupying a neighboring country.