DAD’S LULLABY

SYNOPSIS

The unseen damage inflicted by war on personal relationships pushes war veteran Serhiy away from his family. Haunted by loss and war, he battles to reconnect with his wife, Nadiia, and their three sons, Sasha (11), Artem (8) and Nikita (3).

The film takes an unexpected turn when Serhiy turns the camera on the director herself. This role reversal creates a space for vulnerable dialogue about love and human relationships as the filmmaker shares her own experiences of a breakup with another Ukrainian war veteran. The trust and empathy built between the protagonist and the filmmaker not only convey war’s lasting emotional toll but also showcase the healing potential of storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

CONTACT

AMOUNT OF THE SUPPORT FOR FINALISATION: 50 000 €

European Solidarity Fund for Ukrainian Films – Date of the decision : December 11th 2023

THE DIRECTOR

Lesia Diak is a Ukrainian film director and producer. Her short films, which have garnered recognition at international film festivals, explore themes of genuine human connections, inner conflict, trauma and healing.

With a background in Communication, Diak expanded her expertise by graduating from DocNomads international documentary film directing Master’s programme in 2022.

She established DramaFree, a film production company dedicated to creating author-driven movies. Under this banner, she produced her feature-length documentary debut, ‘Dad’s Lullaby,’ a Ukrainian-Romanian-Croatian co-production.

Currently splitting her time between Lisbon and Kyiv, Diak continues to create thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her work reflects a commitment to authentic storytelling and a deep understanding of the human condition, positioning her as a rising talent in the world of independent cinema.

FESTIVALS

• Sarajevo IFF 2024: Documentary competition
• DocLisboa IFF 2024: “From the earth to the moon” section