Dad’s Lullaby
Feature documentary / 2024.
| Director – Script Writer | Lesia Diak |
| Producers | Lesia Diak, Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan, Elena Martin |
| Co-producer | Hrvoje Osvadić |
| Audience producer | Dimitra Kotuzi |
| Genre | documentary, drama |
| Country of Production | Ukraine |
| Country/ies of Co-Production | Romania, Croatia |
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Logline
Is it possible to return to a normal life after being broken by war?
Synopsis
The unseen damage inflicted by war on personal relationships pushes war veteran Serhiy away from his family. Haunted by loss and war, he battles to reconnect with his wife, Nadiia, and their three sons, Sasha (11), Artem (8) and Nikita (3).
The film takes an unexpected turn when Serhiy turns the camera on the director herself. This role reversal creates a space for vulnerable dialogue about love and human relationships as the filmmaker shares her own experiences of a breakup with another Ukrainian war veteran. The trust and empathy built between the protagonist and the filmmaker not only convey war’s lasting emotional toll but also showcase the healing potential of storytelling and documentary filmmaking.
Duration: 78ʹ / Format DCP / Year of Production: 2024 / Original Title: Татова колискова (Tatova Kolyskova)
About director:
Lesia Diak
Lesia Diak is a Ukrainian film director and producer. Her short films, which have garnered recognition at international film festivals, explore themes of genuine human connections, inner conflict, trauma and healing.
With a background in Communication, Diak expanded her expertise by graduating from DocNomads international documentary film directing Master’s programme in 2022.
She established DramaFree, a film production company dedicated to creating author-driven movies. Under this banner, she produced her feature-length documentary debut, ‘Dad’s Lullaby,’ a Ukrainian-Romanian-Croatian co-production.
Currently splitting her time between Lisbon and Kyiv, Diak continues to create thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her work reflects a commitment to authentic storytelling and a deep understanding of the human condition, positioning her as a rising talent in the world of independent cinema.
Filmography
Wounds, short film, 24 min, 2024 Ukraine, Hungary, Belgium, Portugal, Director, DOP, editor, producer -Awards: Best Documentary, Zlin Film Festival (Czech Republic)
Under the Wing of A Night, short film, 19 min, 2023 Ukraine, Belgium, Belgium, Portugal – Director, DOP, editor, producer
Joszef In Autumn, short film, 12 min, 2022 Hungary, Belgium, Portugal – Co-director, Sound recordist
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