When it started to burn
Horrific violence, enduring terror and ceaseless solidarity: four years of war through the eyes of Ukrainian civilians- by Aeon VideoWatch on Aeon.
The short documentary When It Started to Burn (2026), directed by Norwegian filmmaker Anders Hammer, captures four years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine starting in March 2022. It is the third film in a trilogy that includes Do Not Split (2020) about Hong Kong protests and The Takeover (2023) about Afghan women under Taliban rule. The film focuses on the civilian experience, particularly Kseniia, a Kyiv native who runs a humanitarian hub distributing aid while choosing to keep her children safe abroad. Through her story, the documentary explores how Ukrainians navigate violence, fear, and solidarity amid the war.
Kseniia’s role as a coordinator of a humanitarian headquarters highlights the grassroots response to the invasion. Her work involves collecting and distributing donations to civilians in need, reflecting the widespread community efforts to support those affected by the war. The film portrays how these initiatives become lifelines for people facing shortages, displacement, and constant danger. This aspect underscores the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian civilians, who prioritize helping others despite their own hardships.
The documentary centers on the civilian viewpoint, avoiding a military or political lens. It shows how ordinary people, like Kseniia, make life-altering decisions under extreme pressure. For instance, sending children abroad is a heartbreaking choice made to protect them from the war’s dangers. The film captures the emotional toll of these decisions, as well as the determination to remain in Ukraine to support the war effort and community. This perspective humanizes the conflict, making it relatable to audiences unfamiliar with the complexities of war.
Hammer’s film examines two central themes: the terror of living under constant threat and the solidarity that emerges in response. Civilians endure horrific violence, including shelling, displacement, and loss, which creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear. Yet, this shared experience fosters a sense of unity and mutual aid. The documentary illustrates how people come together to support one another, whether through sharing resources, offering shelter, or simply being present for each other. This balance of fear and solidarity defines the daily lives of Ukrainians during the invasion.
Anders Hammer is a documentary filmmaker known for his immersive, on-the-ground approach to conflict coverage. His previous works, such as Do Not Split and The Takeover, focus on human stories within larger political upheavals. These films are part of a trilogy that explores how ordinary people navigate crises in Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Hammer’s style prioritizes authenticity and proximity to the subjects, aiming to convey the raw realities of conflict without sensationalism.
The film was produced by Charlotte Cook and published by Field of Vision, a media organization specializing in documentary filmmaking. It was released on 21 October 2026, four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in March 2022. The timing reflects the ongoing nature of the conflict and its deep impact on Ukrainian society. The documentary contributes to a broader conversation about the civilian experience in war, offering a counterpoint to mainstream narratives focused on military or political developments.
