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A documentary filmmaker is an observer who, without interfering, records events that will remain in history. About how to turn on the camera when enemy bullets are whistling overhead, and the body shudders from the sounds of artillery or shells that, like rain, are falling nearby? We talk about the photographer's work on the front lines, during assaults, in trenches and in general in hot spots with military correspondent Marjan Kushnir.
How to shoot where there is a lot of fear
Maryan Kushnir is a journalist for Radio Svoboda, who has been documenting the war since 2015. He is known for being directly involved in assaults with the military. The journalist received a contusion during the fighting for the Kiev region.
“Maybe they will write textbooks based on the materials we prepare in the future,” Marian explains, which is what motivates him to continue his work.
It works mostly near the front line, specifically on the front line with the infantry. Maryan took part in five direct assault actions. In particular, in the assaults in the area of Khromovoe near Bakhmut, filmed street battles in Bakhmut itself and the event of the International Legion during the Battle of Severodonetsk.
Duringfighting for the Kiev regiontogether with Max Levine(Ukrainian photojournalist who was killed by the Russians — ed.) he went to Borodyanka. This village in the Buchansky district was already occupied, only the guys learned about it too late. “We arrived 30 minutes after the plane had already crashed Borodianka,” Maryan adds, adding that we had to work in different conditions. “We always put on the scales — will we return or not, and whether this whole “double” of material is worth the material we get.”
“I don't go there to die or get hurt“
Marian says that in 9 years of covering war, he has learned to manage fear, not fight it. “I am aware of all the possible risks that exist today in the war. I go there not to die or get injured, but to do my job qualitatively and professionally.” To show the world what is happening in the war, he prepares both morally and physically, in particular, he undergoes various security trainings.
If you stop documenting the war, he says, someone will fill this information silence. Marian believes that sometimes such a risk is justified, because, firstly, he is alive, smiles: “Well, of course, any picture taken where the journalist does not step foot is worth it!”
“I'm leaving and I don't know when I'll be back either in 15 minutes or in 36 hours“
Marian says that it is always difficult to predict how long he will be at the forefront with the military. It happens that 15 minutes are allowed to shoot, and then it is taken away, sometimes you have to wait with the military for a day and a half while other military people change them. In some places, he can live with them for a week in certain positions.
Once he had to stay with the military in a shelter, which was a pit, for a day and a half. The photo was taken in the Kupyansk direction in the forest at the front positions, about 300 meters from the Russians.
“I went there in the dark and had no idea when I would get out of there. So I had to wait a day and a half at this position, without leaving this hole. To be in the same conditions as the fighters, to feel that cold and that thirst. Feel this ton of metal, which spills every 15 minutes through this forest. Listen to the trees creak and fall. After 36 hours, the commander of the operation announced the organization of the departure from the positions. Also at night we managed to return to a safer area,” says Marian.
While working in the combat zone, it becomes immediately clear that not everything can be published. The photographer believes that the most valuable thing on the front right now is the story of the people and what they talk about, their opinions are so diverse. Marian is convinced that it is important to show the world these simple people who resist the aggressor: “Because it is quite surreal when in the 21st century people fly into space, and on Earth there are events that resemble the first century. When ordinary people with guns under artillery shells, who in pits with wooden shelters, sit in cold and hunger by candlelight, they repel attacks. Well, this is absurd! This should not be the case in the 21st century. That's my goal — to remove this absurdity and say to the world, “People, get ready!”
Own safety
Marian notes that the military bears no responsibility or obligation for the life and health of the journalist. “This is all my responsibility and that of my editorial staff. The military can only contribute and help what they do. That is, I turn to them - they help in the organization. Together we are thinking how to do this so as not to endanger not only me, but also personnel,” Maryan emphasizes. “The military understands how important it is to show their presence at zero.”
When working in a combat zone, the journalist recommends that you first assess the situation and think about how to act in the event of a worst-case scenario, take into account your actions and evacuation route, and consider the nearest safe zones where communication can be caught.
The role of photography
Marian works with both photo and video formats. However, sometimes he prefers photographs. “Photography is something that will live forever! - emphasizes Marian. - You shot it once and there will be no one again. I choose the frame that I will probably never shoot again. Sometimes it's just a cannon shot. But mostly I photograph people's eyes.” He is convinced that photography is easier to perceive and easier to distribute.
How to work in advanced positions?
In the event of an aggravation of the situation, there are a number of actions that the military will take: they will fire, report the situation, observe or present ammunition. At this point, someone can get injured. Maryan emphasizes that in such moments the media should be aware of how important it is to leave space for the military so that they can act correctly.
“Imagine watching from the side like a referee on a football field. When the ball flies at him, he must deviate from it, not interfere with this ball. Likewise, you should not interfere with flying along the trajectory of the story that is being created in your frame. You can follow, and you have to understand that you can be superfluous there.”
Photos that have been imprinted
During the 9 years of the war, including 2 years of full-scale invasion, it is difficult for Mariana to choose her own photos that have been remembered or impressed the most. The very first thing that comes to mind is a photo of a girl Sofiika, who had to leave her native village in Luhansk region after the de-occupation in the fall of 2022. “I was struck by the fear in the eyes of a child who drives away from his home under fire, goes to a peaceful territory. She doesn't understand what's going on around her now.”
He notes with sadness that he took many pictures of the military after the assault actions, who, unfortunately, have already died or disappeared. Marjan Kushnir says that people say little about the price of a photograph and the sacrifices that had to be made to make it, and it is not about money.
“The price of photography is lost youth and lost time in order to leave a mark in the future and prevent it from being repeated again. The price of a photograph can be worth a lifetime.”
Marjan Kushnir (30 years old) — Ukrainian journalist, videographer, photographer, since 2015 he has been working in the Ukrainian editorial office of Radio Svoboda. Since then, he goes to the front and covers the fighting on the territory of Ukraine, prepares reports on mass actions. After Russia's open military attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it covers the events from hot spots where active hostilities are taking place. On March 11, 2022, he received a contusion in the Kiev region, in the village of Baryshivka.
Knight of the Order “For Merit” III degree (2022).
Photographer's social networks:
Facebook
Instagram
The material was worked on:
Researcher of the topic, author of the text: Vera Labych
Bildeditor: Vyacheslav Ratynskyi
Literary Editor: Julia Futei
Site Manager: Vladislav Kuhar
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