Ukrainian theatre and film actress Irma Vitovska says that she became more cynical after February 24, [2022] but she believes that Ukrainians will have a high-quality political generation after the victory. What Ukrainians will be like after the war and what she regrets about her career, the actress told online.ua correspondent Ivan Hrynevych.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, colossal changes have taken place in the life of our country and in the life of every Ukrainian. We have changed our views, we have changed our vision, we have changed our interests. What changes have you noticed in yourself since February 24 [2022]?
Cynicism. He was always there. But now I felt it. Why? Because we get good garth from our neighbour. I was not delusional.
I simply recalculated that the civilization of the 21st century would somehow still be able to etch out all these feudal, barbaric, misanthropic systemic things that were with Muscovy later on. And it turned out not.
The ability to have a good economic wallet, at least, the content of the avant-garde empires, St. Petersburg and Moscow did not work to destroy the essence of this machine for dehumanization, and grinding of human souls. This age-old tradition continues to this day.
Read the first part of the interview with Irma Vitovska: Ukrainians quickly learn not only to shoot films but also to fight - Irma Vitovska
What will Ukrainians be like after the war?
We now see many examples of unity and cohesion. And how, in your opinion, have the relationships between people themselves changed? But what do you think, will these changes remain in the future?
I will not be optimistic about the fact that we will all become citizens in this country immediately after the war. But there will be a more extensive, significant, high-quality quantity.
This is the main thing needed in order to continue the path of finally independent Ukraine with a new political generation. For this, the avant-garde will be. Yes, it is a baptism with the lead. Yes, that's the price. But it wouldn't be otherwise, probably.
Perhaps you would have to look into a black portal to see there the true face of someone you never thought about. That is why I am returning to cynicism. I think that everyone will become cynical.
But part of the people still remain in amnesia, in some blurred worldviews, like dandelions, who will give a shit, where and with whom. Or frank followers of the same ideology.
Therefore, there is optimism. It is impossible without optimism. There is faith. The road is far. There is still a need for some very strong legislative initiatives to cement over the generations what we are going through now. In order for this memory to be cemented, it is necessary to carry out certain legislative or other things.
I am a champion of conscious citizenship, I am for the institution of citizenship. I believe that every citizen must pass a certain exam in order to receive an ID passport. It's like the rights we get for a car.
Therefore, you must have a worldview with this state to influence it. And yes, that means everyone. You can retake it every time you study and swear. Also I am for an open oath to the state.
Irma Vitovska takes part in the flashmob of "Ukroboronprom" on the occasion of establishing the production of artillery ammunition (photo: facebook.com/irmcya)
About filming in Russian cinema until 2014
There are also certain compromises in my life, which I do not object to, for which I am very sorry. I acted in Russian-language products, and Russian-language products blur people's identities.
I had such a product until 2014, before the Maidan, because there was no Ukrainian-speaking one. I would happily ban my whole life. But it turned out that way. Otherwise, you don't work at all, losing experience, camera, vision, and practice as an actress.
Yes, I had enough of my head not to enter propaganda or historical films, where I already understood that there was profanation and absolutely ideological pumping of their Russian citizens, first of all.
Especially after the Orange Revolution, when Ukrainians were made a marker for an already negative character, starting with all these "Matches " ("Match" is a Russian propaganda film of 2012, only since September 2014 has the film been banned from being shown in Ukraine - Ed.).
Not only "White Guard" [A Russian serial based on the novel by Ukrainian-phobic author Mikhail Bulgakov - Ed.], but these are also films about events that do not take place in Ukraine. But necessarily negative is a Ukrainian, necessarily, at least in an episode.
Many people were absorbed in Russian humour and variety shows
I understood what it was going to be. And after Georgia, I knew for sure that we would be next. But many people were outside this observation. Everyone was happy to watch Russian content; everyone was happy to dissolve in humour, in pop music, in joint clips, and in joint music.
It is a pity that sobriety fell on everyone at such a price. But I am happy that it fell on all, at least adequate ones who know how and have the dignity to say: I am guilty of those years, albeit unconsciously, but I am guilty. I am guilty [too]. Consciously.
I didn't go to propaganda movies or historical movies, but there was "love", and "every kind of disease"... I needed to earn, live and practice acting in the same way. But there were not so many of those films, thank God. However, unfortunately, I also have to tell my story about when Ukrainians watched certain series with my participation.
However, I think that everyone, if they look at their past, will find everything there. And you have to tell yourself that this is a war; I brought it [here] too. I think everyone here can say that. There is no need to be in an illusion.
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