Franz Böhm’s short film, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” taps into the urgent emotions surrounding war. Just like the real-life battles faced by Ukrainian soldiers today, this film captures a crucial moment. The story revolves around a boy named Ivan, who is thrust into a chaotic world as conflict unfolds around him.
Ivan, played by Oleksandr Rudynskyy, wasn’t prepared for the challenges he faced when the war began. He was just a child when Russian troops invaded his bunker, where he hid with his father and other survivors. The film explores the tough choices he must make in that life-or-death situation. His father, a medic, is busy tending to the injured, while children look to Ivan for protection. This sense of duty weighs heavily on him.
This film immerses the audience in the civilian experience of war. It asks how much care the invading soldiers might have for vulnerable lives caught in their path. Such questions resonate today, as thousands of civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict around the world. According to recent reports from the United Nations, civilian casualties have vastly increased in current conflicts, underscoring the need to highlight these stories.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors” was filmed in England, giving it a detached sense of place that enhances its themes. Although it’s set in Ivan’s homeland, the landscape feels foreign and alien, reflecting the chaos of war. The film captures a moment where personal lives can mean everything amidst broader geopolitical struggles.
Winning the BAFTA for Best Short Film, this poignant narrative isn’t just about Ivan. It’s a reflection on the innocence of youth overshadowed by the dark realities of war. The choices he faces can change his perspective forever, a theme that resonates with many young people today who find themselves at the threshold of adulthood in turbulent times.
As audiences engage with Ivan’s story, they’re reminded of the lasting impacts of conflict on the young and innocent. These narratives are not just stories; they echo the feelings of many worldwide and spark conversations about the human cost of war.