Kyiv hosts pre-premiere screening of ‘Land of Silence’ documentary film on humanitarian demining

A private pre-premiere screening of the film was attended by UNDP mine action partners from over 10 embassies, as well as representatives of international organizations, government agencies, businesses, the media, and civil society organizations.

Production of the film was initiated by UNDP and backed by funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the State Emergency Service. Mykhailo Khoroshykh produced "Land of Silence," with Viktor Solodukha and Emil Bakhytiev from BAZA Production as directors, and the heroes of the film are those who daily work to make Ukrainian lands safe again.

“Land of Silence” is planned for submission to international and Ukrainian film festivals. The film aims to draw attention to the problem of contamination of Ukrainian territory with mines and other explosive ordnance through the personal stories of individuals involved in mine action. It also seeks to demonstrate the impact of demining on the lives of Ukrainians and emphasize the importance of joint efforts and international support for demining initiatives.

Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, said at the screening that the film reflects the indomitable spirit of Ukraine’s people. 

“Our approach within the UN system is rooted in a fundamental understanding: effective demining is not merely about clearing the explosive remnants of war. It’s about saving lives, revitalizing the economy, enabling women to join mine action and ensuring the safe return of displaced communities to their homes, their farms, and their lives," Schmale said.

“People are our greatest inspiration,” he added. “Driven by dedication to bringing safety back to people, to preserve what matters most, to build a life for future generations despite devastating war, they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. This documentary demonstrates the indomitable spirit of Ukraine’s people. Theirs is a story that needs to be told, and heard, by the world. It’s a window into the lives of people who are making a profound difference every single day.”

The film features the stories of three people:

• Pavlo Bondarenko, head of the mechanized demining unit of the State Emergency Service in Mykolaiv Oblast.

• Natalia Horun, non-technical survey specialist at Norwegian People’s Aid.

• Oleksandr Bonchkovskyi, Doctor of Philosophy in Geography and chief scientific consultant at the Society of Researchers of Ukraine.

Speaking at the screening, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravainyi emphasized the importance of partnerships: “Mines don't know that the artillery has fallen silent,” Bezkaravainyi said. “Liberated land does not instantly become safe. A lot of effort is needed for that. And we’re grateful that the global community supports Ukraine on its path to clearing this land. We’re responsible with this aid: we don't just use it, but also strive to change the global approach to humanitarian demining. We thank UNDP and the Republic of Korea for supporting such important initiatives.”

Major General of the Civil Protection Service and Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Volodymyr Demchuk said the work of sappers “is a daily, titanic effort that never stops for a moment.”

“This is all done to make the country's territory safer again,” Demchuk added. “We don't just change history every day – we create it. Our unprecedented experience, gained during the demining of Ukrainian lands, will in the future help the international community form new, more effective rules and standards for humanitarian demining. We thank all partners who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us to jointly overcome the challenges and consequences of our lands being contaminated with explosive ordnance.”

In his closing remarks, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis said that “Land of Silence” was an important story about people who, working as deminers, risk their lives every day to clear Ukraine of explosive remnants of war – and thus restore hope and faith in a safe future for the entire country.

“It’s a story that not only shows the impact of mines on people's lives but also serves as an important advocacy tool to once again emphasize the significance of joint efforts and investments in mine action and humanitarian demining in Ukraine,” Politis said.

Background:

Over the past three decades, UNDP and its partners have worked in over 50 countries, assisting them in addressing the challenges posed by landmines and other explosive ordnance. UNDP works closely with the Government of Ukraine to support all aspects of humanitarian mine action, helping to coordinate national efforts and mobilize international assistance.

UNDP provides strategic guidance on the development and implementation of national mine action strategies and standards. It also facilitates safe returns, reconstruction, and recovery by delivering technical support, expert advice, and specialized equipment. To accelerate land release and restore agricultural productivity, UNDP leverages cutting-edge technologies, including satellite imagery, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Beyond clearance efforts, UNDP also supports critical services that save lives and restore dignity. This includes strengthening emergency medical care, as well as providing long-term rehabilitation, mental health care, and psychosocial support for individuals and communities affected by explosive hazards.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org.