Film Composition AMID Ukraine VS Russia

To enhance your reading experience, please play this soundtrack composed by Mr. Melymuk, and dive into this interview with him.

In these times of crisis, we decided to check on our beloved members as usual, working with industry professionals can allow you to see a glimpse of what gives them passion. Thriving in their careers as much as they possibly can amid the face of war; Film Composer Myroslav Melymuk, shared his personal thoughts and walked us through the current issues in his homeland. We hope our readers understand that, even though political views are involved in this interview, we want to focus in sharing their experience from the eyes of the Artist.

“Destruction is secured for all of us, oh the grief. But God, how beautiful it burns.”

A Wise Poet

PPC: How has the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia impacted your life as a film composer?

MM: Starting from February 24, 2022, my life as a composer for films took a back seat. Despite the fact that my city, Lviv, is very far from the border with Russia. In the first days of the war my friends and I thought that it would be necessary to fight on our streets. We joined the territorial defense unit, where we stayed until the situation stabilized. Then we watched as the Ukrainian military, bravest and best in the world, stopped the enemy and began to reclaim our land. I only returned to composing music in May 2022 when I was approached by Lithuanian TV to compose music for their documentary. Thus, our Lithuanian friends decided to support artists from Ukraine. From that moment on, I continued my work as a composer.

PPC: In what ways has the war influenced your creative process and the themes you explore in your compositions?

MM: The war made me realize that everything is very unstable and can change at any moment. Considering this, plans and dreams cannot be postponed until tomorrow, they must be implemented today. At first, my work was greatly influenced by the sounds of war: melody of sirens, rythm of explosions and gunshots.

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to continue composing and playing music. Many of my musician friends are now engaged in combat. My friend Mykola Dorosh, the most talented pianist I know, was recently mobilized to serve in the army and is currently undergoing military training in England.

PPC: How has the war affected the overall film industry in Ukraine, and what challenges have you faced as a result?

MM: Before the war, the film industry of Ukraine developed rapidly. Ukrainian production companies have good contracts with world film companies and streaming services. The war changed that. State funding is now entirely aimed at supporting defense capabilities, as you might expect under wartime conditions. But at the same time, I noticed how the war developed the documentary film industry in Ukraine. Hundreds of Ukrainian and foreign filmmakers document the crimes that Russia commits in our country, including murders, the destruction of cities, including hospitals, schools, civilian buildings, power stations, dams and other critical infrastructure facilities, which sometimes even lead to environmental disasters. I am sure that after our victory there will be a real boom in the film industry. I know that many Hollywood directors like Sean Penn, Cary Fukunaga, Martin Scorsese and actors, like Matt Damon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Hamill, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cate Blanchett, Ben Stiller, Angelina Jolie and many others are already interested in the events in Ukraine. How the Ukrainian people heroically resisted the enemy should be shown in big films.

PPC: Have you received any support from local or international organizations to continue your work during these difficult times?

MM: As I said, the Lithuanians from the LRT TV channel supported me. I composed music for two documentaries with Focusas Program. Therefore, it is not surprising to me that Lithuania’s humanitarian and military support, a relatively small country, exceeds the support of much bigger countries. Ukraine will not forget it. I dream of visiting Lithuania after our victory to share my gratitude. Apart from this, I did not seek other professional support because, in addition to my musical activities, I also work in the city administration.

But I must say that I feel the extraordinary support of people from all over the democratic world during these 1,5 years of full war. In 2023, I became a participant in the EnGin program, under which native-speaker volunteers help all willing Ukrainians to improve their level of English. I’m fortunate because my volunteer, Kevin Crowley, from Cincinnati, is a very talented actor and kind man, and we talk a lot about the film industry and just life.

PPC: Has the conflict changed your perspective on the role of music in conveying messages of peace and unity?

MM: Music has tremendous power. The voice of musicians is heard by billions of people. And it’s not only through songs, people listen to the opinion of their idols. When dozens of world-class musicians support Ukraine, mention our troubles in their songs and interviews, come to Ukraine and collaborate with our bands – it’s inspiring.

PPC: Do you believe that your compositions have the power to inspire hope and resilience among the people affected by the war?

MM: Yes. First of all, I have a lot of calm compositions that are perfect for soothing yourself before going to bed. There are also those that motivate not to give up.

But I also thought for a long time about how to help Ukrainians not only morally. Recently, the Russians bombed a civilian house in my city, I was also in the east of the country, I saw completely destroyed houses, even entire cities were wiped out. Once upon a time, people lived in them, created comfort in homes, celebrated birthdays, decorated the Christmas-tree for the New Year with children. At one point, they were left with nothing but their house keys, which they no longer need. I had the idea to create a unique musical instrument from door keys that would symbolize the voices of war victims. I am currently working on its design, but I have a dream to collaborate with composers from all over the world to create a music album and organize an auction for this musical instrument to support Ukrainians who have lost their homes.

If any of the musicians or composers are interested in this idea, please contact me at myroslavmelymuk@gmail.com and/or follow me on my social media pages.