“Documentary Film: The Dramaturgy of Reality” – A Meeting That Changes the Perspective on the World

On April 18, 2026, the Department of Ukrainian Language and Journalism organized an exceptionally interesting and informative lecture on the world of non-fiction cinema, titled “Documentary Film: The Dramaturgy of Reality.” The invited lecturer for the event was Ihor Darovskyi, an experienced director and screenwriter who has been working in the video-making industry since 2006. Currently, Mr. Darovskyi serves as a press officer for a unit of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which added significant weight and acute relevance to the conversation amidst the full-scale invasion. The meeting was moderated by Roman Kostromytskyi, PhD in Philology and Associate Professor, who helped participants dive deeper into the specifics of the material through a live dialogue format.

During the event, attendees explored the universe of documentary filmmaking in detail, discussing key genres—ranging from profound portrait films and music videos to commercial areas such as promo and food videos. The speaker focused specifically on the “documentary filmmaker’s minimum kit,” emphasizing the choice of camera, fast lenses, and the essential need for stabilization systems and high-quality microphones (both lavalier and shotgun mics), as sound in documentary filmmaking is just as vital as the image. Practical cases regarding filming in nature and under difficult weather conditions sparked particular interest; participants learned how to protect equipment from moisture, use reflectors to correct natural light, and why it is crucial to have spare batteries and high-speed memory cards.

Great attention was paid to the “kitchen” of plot creation. Ihor emphasized that the dramaturgy of reality is based on the ability to build a clear structure and utilize plot tropes that hold the audience’s attention until the very last second. They also discussed the importance of creating atmosphere through details, cutaways, and soundscapes. For working with materials, the guest recommended professional software for editing and sound processing.

The most emotional segment of the lecture was reportage-style documentary filmmaking during wartime. In a context where every frame becomes a part of Ukraine’s modern history, the media professional’s role takes on strategic importance. The open dialogue format allowed for a discussion on the nuances of interviewing strangers: how to establish contact in stressful situations and how to maintain a balance between professional detachment and human empathy. This meeting was engaging for the general public, and for future journalists, the lecturer emphasized that in today’s conditions, documentary filmmaking is not merely the fixation of events, but a powerful tool for information resilience and the preservation of national memory, allowing one to find true meaning in every moment of our challenging reality.

Based on the materials of the Department of Ukrainian Language and Journalism