For over 13 years, the Antenna Documentary Film Festival has championed the power of documentary cinema to challenge perspectives, ignite meaningful conversations, and explore the rich complexities of our world. Our programs are driven by boldness, excellence, and integrity, but at the heart of our mission lies a deeper principle: we prioritise inquiry over certainty and value questions more than answers. We trust in the intelligence and openness of our audience, believing that documentary can be a catalyst for social change by encouraging engagement with uncomfortable narratives.
In this spirit, last year we showcased the horrors of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 20 Days in Mariupol—a film that went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary. This year’s program continues that commitment with a diverse selection of films that explore the urgent issues shaping our times. Among them is Russians at War, a film that offers a difficult but important perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The decision to include Russians at War was not made lightly. Aware of the controversy it has generated globally, we engaged in extensive discussions about the film’s content and the complexities it presents. While not a comprehensive study of the invasion, Russians at War offers a perspective on the conflict that we believe holds value. By portraying the experiences and voices of Russian soldiers, the film sheds light on the internal contradictions, disillusionment, and sense of purposelessness within the ranks of the aggressor. We feel it serves as an existential critique of war, exposing the mechanisms that sustain it and ultimately underscoring the urgency of ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Another film selected for this year’s program is Intercepted, a remarkable Ukrainian documentary that exposes the brutal realities of war through intercepted confessional phone calls between Russian soldiers and their families, paired with images of war-torn Ukraine. The decision to include both films was not intended to present conflicting narratives. Rather, we believe these perspectives complement each other, providing a fuller and more nuanced picture of the war’s impact and dynamics.
In a broader sense, Antenna does not claim to be ‘neutral’ or ‘balanced,’ nor do we suggest that all perspectives are equally valid. Rather, we aim to be a platform unafraid to engage with layered and complex narratives.
We remain committed to fostering open dialogue and welcome the engagement these conversations will inevitably spark.
As a recent addition to this statement, we would like to share that we have been contacted by Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko. We have responded to his letter, and our response can be viewed here. This further explains our rationale and the steps we are taking to address concerns raised by the Ukrainian community.
We look forward to welcoming audiences to the festival.
Kirk Marcolina (Chair) & Dudi Rokach (Festival Director)
