KAKHOVKA: Water at War
Grappling with the consequences of the devastating Kakhovka dam breach, the second largest environmental tragedy in Ukraine since Chornobyl, this documentary follows the director Olya Glotka returning home to document the aftermath. The film follows environmental activists fighting the government’s plans for dam reconstruction; the international investigators trying to bring the perpetrators to justice at the International Criminal Court and the locals grieving the loss of their old way of life.
Sizzle Reel
The Story
Born and raised around the Kakhovka dam, I know firsthand how deeply interwoven locals’ lives are with their water, which is now missing. My family’s business was the largest supplier of fishing equipment. Not only were our stores burnt and flooded by the invaders, but also there is no future for fishermen in the area given the lack of water after the dam breach. Through my connections to the community, I will showcase the locals who have to live with the environmental consequences of the war. I will be sharing the perspectives of the environmental activists who want to spread the word about the dangers of trying to return back to the norm (rebuilding the dam).
UPDATE
In 2024 I went to Ukraine to capture the initial footage and interview the initial subjects. While being a timely subject, stories like that of Kakhovka dam subject take time to unravel. I don't want to make a journalistic report of right now. I am following the long term impact of an act of ecocide on nature and its people. In June of 2026, I am returning to Ukraine to continue to gather footage, stories, and insights.
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Stay tuned with the project by following me on Instagram @olya.glotka or by donating to my campaign to receive email updates and thank yous!
