EXCLUSIVE: A Simple Soldier, a feature from doc Ukrainian filmmaker Artem Ryzhykov and Oscar-winning producer John Battsek, debuts tomorrow at Sheffield DocFest. Check out a clip from the film above.
The film’s synopsis reads: A Simple Soldier follows Ukrainian filmmaker and cinematographer Artem Ryzhykov as he swaps life behind the camera for life on the frontlines as a professional soldier after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
He doesn’t leave filmmaking behind entirely – often seen with both a camera and a gun, Artem documents the chaos, confusion, and heartbreak of war while trying to stay connected to his family and young wife back home. As he bonds with fellow soldiers and faces the brutal realities of combat, we see a deeply personal story unfold. This is the human experience of war – it’s about love, friendship, duty, and what it means to hold on to your humanity in the middle of it all.
Alongside Battsek, the film’s producers are James Packer, Ben Silverman, Howard Owens, Marcel Mettelsiefen, Isabel San Vargas, Drew Buckley, and Catalina Ramirez.
Cinematography is by Ruslan Girin and Artem Ryzhykov. Editing was completed by Jesper Osmund and Inés Boffi Sae-Ammac. Andrés Velásquez and Úlfur Hansson worked on the sound. Propagate Content is handling sales.
Check out the clip above.
Sheffield Docfest runs from June 18 to June 23.
