A Film Born of War: “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” and the Resilience of Art

In the midst of war, creative projects are often forced to adapt or risk being stillborn. The making of “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming,” a new film by Ukrainian writer Anna Melikova and her director wife Isabelle Stever, is a testament to this resilience. Their Locarno Film Festival title has been years in the making, but its development was marked by the uninvited presence of war.

The screenplay for “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” began as a story about queer love and transition, but when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threw everything off track, Melikova had to pivot. Her script, which won the Berlinale Kompagnon Fellowship Award in 2022, took on new significance as she grappled with how war affects relationships and identity.

The film follows Oleh and Olya, a couple whose excitement for their future is disrupted by Russia’s attacks. As they forge an exit plan, their commitment to each other is tested in ways both big and small. Melikova and Stever shot on location in Ukraine, despite the risks, which added authenticity to their film.

Their pursuit of realism extended to casting, with luck playing a role when they discovered Markus Bright and Tania Myronyshena for the roles of Oleh and Olya. Both actors are non-professionals who brought an intimacy to their performances that felt almost too real at times. Stever has said that their ability to respect each other’s safe space transformed the film from timeless to timely.

Making this film was not without its challenges. With a war raging in the background, safety concerns were paramount. The crew had to protect their actors and keep the camera rolling despite the constant threat of drone sounds interrupting their scenes. In one memorable moment, they even moved inside when spatters of drones could be heard nearby.

The film’s conclusion is a question: what happens when you categorize people and leave the space within? Stever and Melikova maintain that this ending is not a cop-out, but rather an invitation to consider the complexities of human identity. Despite being made in the midst of war, “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” remains a powerful exploration of love, resilience, and the importance of dignity.

The making of “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” showcases the art of adaptation. Melikova and Stever’s ability to adapt their script to the changing circumstances of war demonstrates that even in the darkest times, there is still room for beauty and humanity. Their film may be a product of its time, but it will continue to resonate long after the conflict has passed.

Shooting on location in Ukraine added a level of realism to “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” that would have been impossible to replicate elsewhere. Melikova and Stever’s commitment to capturing the truth, even when it was difficult, resulted in a film that feels raw and honest.

While “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” may be timely, its makers are aware of the risks of being too relevant. They have said that their goal is not to make a film about war, but rather to explore the complexities of human identity in the face of adversity. This approach will undoubtedly make their film more accessible and relatable to audiences worldwide.

As the credits roll on “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming,” viewers are left with a question that lingers long after the screen fades to black: what happens when you categorize people and leave the space within? Stever and Melikova’s film may not provide an answer, but it will continue to haunt audiences as they ponder this very real question.

In the end, “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” is a film that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. It’s a testament to the power of art to transcend time and circumstance, even in the midst of war. Its makers have created something truly remarkable – a film that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

As the filmmakers themselves would say, “What happens when you categorize people and leave the space within?” The answer lies not just in their film, but in our own reflections on what it means to be human.