The Earth Is Blue as an Orange

The Earth Is Blue as an Orange is a moving and insightful documentary film released in 2020. It presents a compelling view of life during wartime through the lens of an everyday family living in Ukraine. This stirring film was directed by the talented Iryna Tsilyk and stars Ganna Gladka, Stanislav Gladky, and Anastasiia Trofymchuk.

Ganna Gladka, the mother of the family, and her kids (Stanislav, Anastasiia and Mira Gladky) showcase their daily routines in their war-torn country. Rather than surrendering to despair, the family turns to art, specifically filmmaking, as a way to cope with harsh reality. They use their creativity as a therapeutic tool to retreat from the horrors on the grim periphery of their existence.

The stark contrast between the family's peaceful, domestic lifestyle in the heart of Ukraine’s “Red Zone” - one of the most dangerous areas due to the ongoing war against Russia - and the reality of the armed conflict is compelling. It focuses on their resilience and their unwavering capacity for hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The narrative remains firmly centered on their individual experiences while subtly emphasizing the broader geopolitical conflict that frames their lives.

Director Iryna Tsilyk skillfully blends scenes of the family's everyday endeavors with scenes of their amateur film production, showcasing a distinct meta-narrative element throughout. Despite its setting in the midst of war, the Earth is Blue as an Orange does not focus on the atrocities or traumas of war. Instead, it centers on the positive aspects of human resilience, adaptation, and creativity against all odds. This approach makes it a unique cinematic work that does not succumb to the usual tropes of war-themed documentaries.

Ganna, who occupies both roles as a mother and a teacher, is undoubtedly the driving force behind the family. Her determined efforts to maintain some semblance of normalcy and stability for her children are truly commendable and heartwarming. Anastasiia, her oldest daughter, shows great creative promise, becoming the family's aspiring filmmaker. Stanislav and Mira play assistive roles in producing their makeshift films, crossing boundaries between real life and the movies they are making.

The Earth Is Blue as an Orange was captured over a year, allowing us to witness the evolution of the family's dynamics against the background of a challenging political climate. Their home often doubles as a film set where scenes of conflict and love are played out on and off the camera. This beautiful juxtaposition between reality and art further emphasizes the power of creativity as a means of survival in even the most challenging circumstances.

Furthermore, human connections are central to this documentary, whether they are between family members or between the family and viewers. Viewers may find themselves deeply touched by the bond shared among the family members, which stands strong even in the face of threats and traumas. This affectionate connection is powerful enough that it resonates through the screen, making us reflect on the strength and resilience of human beings in times of adversity.

The Earth Is Blue as an Orange subtly probes the complexities of human emotions in the face of life-altering events, bridging an empathetic connection between the audience and the protagonists. With an unexpected blend of uplifting sentimentality and an undercurrent of harsh reality, the film presents its own flavor of escapism, mental resilience and cherishing life using imagination and creativity.

This film manages to deliver an inspiring account of a family that sustains its hope and creativity amid a catastrophic situation. It also underscores an unusual approach to emphasizing the importance of art and imagination in sustaining mental well-being in the bleakest circumstances. As such, this documentary stands as a testament to the human spirit's indomitable resilience, the extent of mother's love, the healing power of art, and the capacity of imagination to transcend reality. Truly, The Earth Is Blue as an Orange is a must-see for those who appreciate thought-provoking and inspiring documentaries.