Ukrainian film-maker Sergei Loznitsa: ‘Once you understand the world exists in abstractions you can do whatever you want’

Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa emphasizes the ongoing nature of democracy and its defense in his latest film, Two Prosecutors. The film, set against the backdrop of the Great Purge in 1937 Soviet Union, serves as a gripping thriller that resonates with contemporary issues. Through the story of a young prosecutor's disillusionment with the system, Loznitsa presents a narrative that warns of the fragility of democratic values.

Loznitsa articulates, "Democracy is not something achieved once and forever. It’s a quality of life that must always be defended by every generation." This statement encapsulates the essence of Two Prosecutors, which adapts Georgy Demidov’s novel to explore the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Aleksandr Kuznetsov, a communist official grappling with the wrongful imprisonment of an old Bolshevik. The film has garnered attention since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year, being described as a significant “warning from history” across both sides of the Atlantic.

The director expresses surprise at the film's reception, particularly in the United States, stating, "I wasn’t expecting that the film would be perceived in this way, especially in the United States. If we’re talking about that country, then we don’t really need to warn them, because their history hasn’t taken place." This observation suggests that Loznitsa's work resonates not only with the historical context of the Soviet regime but also with contemporary democratic struggles in various nations.

The System Over the Individual

In line with his previous works, Loznitsa’s Two Prosecutors shifts the focus from individual psychology to the broader systems that shape human behavior. His earlier films, such as Donbass and A Gentle Creature, also explore the oppressive structures that influence individual lives. Loznitsa states, "What interests me is not simply an individual story but the system surrounding that person. The protagonist exists inside a structure that is much larger and more powerful than the individual. By following one person moving through that structure, the viewer begins to understand the logic of the system itself."

This thematic approach allows audiences to grasp the complexities of societal systems and their impact on individual lives. The film's development was influenced by Loznitsa's earlier documentary, The Trial, which examined the wrongful accusations against innocent individuals in the Soviet era. He reflects, "The Trial dealt with innocent people who confessed to crimes they had not committed. After finishing it I began to think about what happened to those people once they were inside the prison system."

Loznitsa's ability to fluidly transition between documentary and fiction filmmaking sets him apart in contemporary cinema. His documentaries, such as Maidan and Babi Yar. Context, are recognized for their meticulous use of archival footage and observational storytelling, while his fictional works have earned him accolades at prestigious film festivals.

Collaborative Vision and Artistic Process

The visual language of Two Prosecutors was developed in collaboration with cinematographer Oleg Mutu, known for his contributions to the Romanian new wave. Loznitsa describes their partnership, stating, "Oleg is not just a cinematographer; he is also a philosopher. He gives me problems to solve, and we must solve them. That is what you see on the screen." This collaboration is indicative of Loznitsa's approach to filmmaking, where a shared vision among the crew contributes to the final product.

Despite the challenges of period costumes and production design, Loznitsa and his team completed the film in a remarkably short span of 18 days. He credits the synergy among his collaborators for this efficiency, noting, "All the people I work with are on the same wavelength. That’s why we were able to shoot the film in only 18 days, which is a very short time if you know how long it usually takes to make a film."

Loznitsa's background in applied mathematics and artificial intelligence has also influenced his artistic vision. He asserts, "Once you understand that the world exists in abstractions and that there are models you can use to describe it, you can do whatever you want." This perspective highlights the intersection of logic and creativity in his work, where the construction of cinematic narratives mirrors mathematical principles.

The filmmaker's journey from a background in mathematics to cinema underscores his belief in the power of visual storytelling. He reflects, "Cinema is similar. A frame doesn’t make sense by itself. It’s just a projection. It disappears. But you put together these projections and the result is something that actually exists."

Despite the often heavy subject matter of his films, Loznitsa maintains a positive atmosphere on set, stating, "The strange thing is that, when we are filming, we are actually often in very high spirits. Even though we are making a film about something tragic, it is still a work of art, and its form has to be harmonious."

In recent years, Loznitsa has faced challenges, including his expulsion from the Ukrainian Film Academy for opposing a blanket boycott of Russian art following the invasion of Ukraine. He expresses that this incident did not personally affect him but rather impacted the reputation of the academy itself.

In conclusion, Sergei Loznitsa's Two Prosecutors serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of defending democratic values through the lens of historical narratives. His unique approach to filmmaking, blending documentary rigor with fictional storytelling, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reflecting the timeless struggle against oppressive systems.