The selection of genres and forms in audiovisual art for the recording and artistic reinterpretation of wartime themes
Authors: Pravylo І. 
Published: December 2023

The article studies the representation of war-related themes in cinematography, the selection of audiovisual forms and genres for their expression, and analyzes the influence of war on the development of art in historical and contemporary contexts. An attempt is made to systematize thematic components that filmmakers can use to create audiovisual works about contemporary war events in Ukraine.

The purpose of the article is to explore the issue of choosing cinematic forms that allow for emotional proximity of the audience to the experience of traumatic wartime events. Additionally, it involves an analysis of the differences in approaches to handling war-related themes in art depending on the temporal distance between the creators and the events. The study draws upon the findings of previous research related to the concept of “postmemory” and examines how this concept can be applied to the development of contemporary cinema by Ukrainian directors.

The methodology of the research is conducted through a system-oriented analysis and comparison of various forms and genres of screen arts, each of which possesses distinct means of expression for exploring central topics (narrative and documentary cinema, short and feature films, portrait films, and docudramas).

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the attempt to apply international experience in analyzing the representation of traumatic wartime experiences in works of art, with the aim of projecting the application of these practices in the Ukrainian artistic context.

The results. The depiction of war themes in art serves as a significant tool for preserving and transmitting traumatic emotional memories across generations. It is precisely the experience of wartime events that becomes pivotal in shaping the national identity, both at the collective and individual levels. In this context, the director’s task is to find the most suitable cinematic form to reveal specific stories. Despite the prevailing opinion in the professional Ukrainian film community and society regarding the inappropriateness of producing fictional films about the contemporary war in Ukraine, research demonstrates that the traumatic experience undergone by Ukrainians today requires documentation, representation, and artistic reinterpretation in close proximity to the ongoing events.

The scientific novelty of the research lies in the analysis of the application of the concept of “postmemory” and the exploration of ways in which this concept can be used to shape the contemporary cinematic language of Ukrainian directors. Additionally, the article outlines several thematic areas within which modern cinematographers can seek specific stories and characters for their future works.

The practical significance. Various formats and genres of screen media can be applied for this purpose, including short and feature films, documentaries, and fictional films, as well as works in such genres like portraiture, sketches, and docudramas. The research emphasizes the appropriateness of creating and comparatively analyzing diverse artistic forms dedicated to the theme of war in literature, cinematography, visual arts, music, and more. Regardless of the chosen thematic dimensions in which an author works, it is crucial to remember the power of personal stories and experiences that can provide an understanding of the enormous scale of wartime tragedy.