Boots on the Ground, Hands in the Soil

Boots on the Ground, Hands in the Soil centres around the remarkable spiritual bond shared by the filmmaker Karolina Uskakovych and her charismatic grandmother, Zoya, a proud Ukrainian pensioner who cherishes her non-capitalist peasant lifestyle. In winter 2021, Zoya presented Karolina with a package of her harvested tomato seeds. The next growing season, however, coincided with the Russian Federation’s devastating invasion of Ukraine. Undeterred by the dire circumstances, Zoya and Karolina embarked on a unique journey of tending their gardens together online. They nurtured their plants and engaged in important conversations, shedding light on the significance of this age-old practice during wartime. 

The documentary film weaves together themes relating to the bond between humans and nature, and the profound impact of gardening during turbulent times. The documentary asks its viewers to reflect on the intrinsic connection between humans and the natural world, emphasising the therapeutic and empowering qualities that can be found in cultivating the land.