Keeping up with what’s going on in the war means watching „Developments in the Battles“ in the newspaper Denník N, digging through a multitude of accounts on several apps or agency reports, or listening to too many podcasts. Oh, and you can still go there. Three weeks ago, we were staying in Sloviansk and we were also filming in Lyman. When I read today how the front is approaching here again, my heart clenches. I realize that I can imagine, somewhat distantly, what our Ukrainians, especially those from the East, must be going through. After all, these are towns I know, they are their towns, but they are also my towns!
Lyman was broken enough as it was, but for the Russian horde to march through it again would mean his death. We filmed there, among other things, the gymnasium building where a missile had fallen. An excellent school that was involved in UNICEF programs. Ironically, next to the gymnasium still stands an intact Soviet tank from the „Great Patriotic War“. The missile fell directly on the school, after which the building started to burn. As if by miracle, the cheerful colorful wall in the entrance hall, designed more for freshmen, survived the flames. Visually, it’s a fascinating place. The chairs in the choir room stand against the wall as if it were yesterday. Small white porcelain lamps hang sadly from the charred ceiling. It’s masochism to look up the gymnasium’s website, but to illustrate the point: the Russian occupation wants to destroy everything that works. The school, however, clearly works…I encourage you to open it. You will be left in shock by Ukrainian intransigence. They may have destroyed the building, but they cannot destroy the spirit of the school. There is up-to-date news on the site. One of them informs. From September 1, 2023, our institution has a new name „Lyman Lyceum No. 1“. We are pleased to welcome you to our website! Or „Welcome to the first class!“
Lyman Lyceum No. 1 invites children aged 6 years to join the first class of 2024-2025. „According to Order No. 28 of the Lyman UOMS dated January 19, our educational institution begins accepting documents for the enrollment of children in grade 1. Enrollment documents can be submitted by parents or guardians…http://gimnasia.dn.ua/“
Lyman will also play a role in our film.