Hedgehog

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the film “Hedgehog” emerges as a poignant narrative, exploring the unlikely bond between a six-year-old Ukrainian girl and a wounded Russian soldier in her grandmother’s remote village. The film, an official selection at the upcoming Utah International Film Festival, brings to life a story inspired by the real-time animosity between Russians and Ukrainians.

D. Mitry, the Writer/Director of “Hedgehog,” born in Belarus and now residing in the United States, found inspiration for the film approximately three weeks into the conflict. The decision to portray the perspective of a child, in this case, six-year-old Nina, offers a unique lens through which the audience can grasp the human side of war.

Citlalli A. Ruiz, the producer of the film, reflects on the diverse and international team that came together to support Ukraine and craft this delicate tale. With contributors hailing from Ukraine, Egypt, Mexico, Belarus, Russia, Romania, Austria, Finland, Kazakhstan, and the USA, the collaboration became a testament to the shared responsibility of humanity, especially in challenging wartime situations.

Ruiz acknowledges the challenges of working with a limited budget, expressing gratitude for the talented individuals who joined the project despite financial constraints. “I knew going into this project that I wasn’t going to be able to pay anyone what they were worth, but I was determined to offer what I could out of respect for their talents and skills,” she says, emphasizing the decades of experience that each contributor brought to the film.

While the production team celebrated the diverse collaboration, Ruiz acknowledged the difficulties faced in transforming Berlin, Maryland, into the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine. Ensuring an authentic portrayal of the setting became a formidable task, pushing the team to recreate the atmosphere convincingly.

D. Mitry, reflecting on the production, shares that if given the chance to go back, he might opt for a less polished approach to the final touches, embracing a grittier and tougher aesthetic. He contemplates the possibility of approaching some scenes differently for a more authentic portrayal.

For aspiring individuals interested in entering the production space, Ruiz offers straightforward advice – stay the course. Regardless of obstacles or perceived unattainability of goals, perseverance is the key to completing any project.