What is security in a country where there is a war? It is with this question that the documentary project of Ani Tsaruk, one of the finalists of our annual grant support, begins. After years of living abroad, she returns to Ukraine with a camera to see her homeland as it is now — not only through the prism of loss, but also through everyday life, dignity and resilience of people. Her project “I hope your family is safe” is a visual exploration of the pain, love, care and desire for freedom that coexist in everyday Ukrainian reality.

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“I hope your family is safe."

I have heard these words many times since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion and still do not know how to respond to them. What is security in a country where there is a war?

Born and raised in Ukraine, nine years ago I moved abroad. Since then, I have never felt as strong a desire to return as I do today. See how my homeland has changed. Look beyond the simplistic image often created by the media, portraying Ukrainians solely as victims trapped in tragic circumstances. What is my Ukraine today?

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Photo by Ani Tsaruk

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I can't find words and look for visual clues. A window damaged by a missile strike, the trenches where my father was undergoing military training, a wedding suit and mourning shawls hanging side by side in the market. I hear that our neighbor's brother died at the front, and my uncle mobilized. I see a black and white photo of a childhood friend in the alley of fallen heroes.

Death is here at every step, and at the same time there is life. Crowded on Sunday city beach, girlfriend's newborn baby, grandma's garden. Ukrainians fall in love, adopt dogs, volunteer and celebrate birthdays. Love, joy and beauty coexist here with immense pain and tragedy. I see my people in their steadfastness, dignity, and unspeakable desire for freedom.

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Photo by Ani Tsaruk

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In my country, full of trauma and torn by war, I feel as alive as nowhere else. I am in danger because of Russian missiles overhead. I am safe because this is my home.

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Anya Tsaruk is a Ukrainian photographer who lives and works in Berlin. After the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the main themes of her work have become identity, trauma, migration and community. Through photography, she seeks to draw attention to the war in her home country, as well as to honor the resilience and strength of the people affected by this war.

Social networks of the author: Instagram