Private Project

Esoteric life of Ukraine or You just know it’s white

A four-part documentary film unveils the intimate, hidden world of Ukrainian witchcraft, magic, and esotericism. Modern Ukrainian witches invite us into their homes, share personal stories, talk about their work and rituals, and reveal how the war has transformed their lives and practices. Filmed in Kyiv in the summer of 2022, against the backdrop of the raw pain and hopes of the early months of the full-scale conflict, this film immerses viewers in an atmosphere where war intertwines with powerful traditions of the mystical world.

The film is divided into four parts – "Interiors," "Love," "Land," and "Army." Through interviews, a narrative thread naturally emerges, highlighting the uniqueness of Ukrainian witchcraft, the role of women in magic, the sacredness of the land, love rituals, herbal medicine, card readings, and the ways witches contribute to the country’s defense. Among the interviews are stories about the mystical power of Ukrainian soil, support for the army, and the sense of devotion felt in every ritual. This is a part of Ukraine that is unlikely to be shown anywhere else – a world accessible only to those who seek to see it.

  • Oleksandra Nesen
    Director
  • Mykyta Shkliaruk
    Director
  • Mykyta Shkliaruk
    Producer
  • Moris Ronin
    Sound Cleanup
  • Mykyta Shkliaruk
    Editing / Original Score / Sound Design
  • Yevheniia Hodonoha
    Interviews
  • Alyona Raida
    Interviews
  • Julia Vovchok
    Interviews
  • Nick Silver
    Interviews
  • Eugenia Stepanenko
    Special thanks
  • Yurii Turchyn
    Special thanks
  • Alina Pronko
    Special thanks
  • Anastasia Yavtushenko
    Special thanks
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Езотеричне життя України або Ти просто знаєш, що це білий
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    33 minutes 35 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    620 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Ukraine
  • Country of Filming:
    Ukraine
  • Language:
    Russian, Ukrainian
  • Shooting Format:
    VHS format
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Oleksandra Nesen, Mykyta Shkliaruk

Oleksandra Nesen is an emerging filmmaker, artist, and curator with a background that bridges journalism, media communication, and the fine arts. Originally from Sevastopol, Oleksandra's journey in storytelling began with her studies in journalism at Kharkiv Kharazina University. Her passion for visual and conceptual storytelling led her to further her education in media communication at Berlin University of the Arts (UDK), where she is currently enrolled.

Oleksandra has made her mark as an artist and curator, contributing to the underground art scenes in Kyiv and Berlin with a series of thought-provoking exhibitions. Her work often blends performance and visual narratives, showcasing her unique ability to merge traditional and avant-garde elements.

A pivotal moment in her career was meeting filmmaker and artist Mykyta Shkliaruk in Sevastopol. Together, they embarked on various art projects, including experimental films and performance pieces, known for their raw storytelling and deep cultural reflections. Their joint work has gained attention for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional formats in the arts.

Oleksandra continues to create, curate, and collaborate, bringing her distinct voice to the contemporary art and film landscape.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I was fortunate enough to document my own desire and share it with others. As mentioned, the film is divided into four parts: Interiors, Love, Land, and Army. During the interviews, a natural thread emerged independently of my original structure, which we reviewed and defined as the main storyline. You will hear themes such as the unique nature of Ukrainian soil, what it means to be a Ukrainian witch, love spells, herbalism, card systems, and how witches support our army. The film was edited two years after shooting, and at the time of submission, it had not yet premiered.