Uprooted From Home

In a war-torn country, a determined young woman and her resilient grandmother embark on a perilous journey across a ravaged landscape, seeking a sanctuary free from the relentless pursuit of enemy forces, where hope and safety await.

  • Lada Egorova
    Director
  • Lada Egorova
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Short Script
  • Number of Pages:
    20
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography - Lada Egorova

Lada Egorova is a Russian - French director and screenwriter. She has directed, written, and
produced over 10 short films. Some of her films were selected for film festivals and won
awards, including her project "PAPOCHKA" which received a film grant, showcasing her
ability to create impactful narratives with limited resources. Lada's passion for filmmaking
took her to intern at various production companies in France and the US, while
simultaneously honing her skills as a filmmaker. She also had the opportunity to study at a
film university in Paris and as an exchange student at The California State University. After
accumulating a diverse and extensive body of work, she chose to settle in Los Angeles,
where she currently develops her own projects and helps other emerging filmmakers bring
their visions to life.

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Writer Statement

The inspiration for this short film emerged from the emotional impact of following the wars in Ukraine and Palestine. As a Russian, the war in Ukraine has been particularly personal, creating a deep sense of helplessness as I witnessed the divide between Russian and Ukrainian friends. The invasion was a source of devastation, and the realization of war’s proximity hit me when a Ukrainian drone attacked an artillery factory near my birthplace in Russia. For the first time, the threat of war felt dangerously close, and I worried for my family—my grandparents and uncles working in nearby factories. It became clear to me that no one is truly safe, even in a seemingly remote town.
However, the desire to write about war didn’t crystallize until I encountered Jérôme Sessini’s photographs of the Ukrainian conflict. His images, both horrifying and poignant, depicted not only the destruction and loss but also moments of beauty and humanity amidst the chaos—soldiers reuniting with their families, couples getting married, children playing outside. These contrasts fascinated me, leading me to create a story centered on two characters striving to return to their land and home in a war-torn country. Some moments in this short film are inspired by real moments captured by photographers during the war in Ukraine.
Nature is integral to this narrative, representing both the peace and beauty of the world, suddenly shattered by the sounds of planes, bombs, and looming danger. In this story, sound becomes the embodiment of war, its presence felt through the constant auditory threats that haunt our protagonists. Visually, the film draws inspiration from Tarkovsky’s "Ivan’s Childhood," blending the horrors of war with the serene beauty of nature and the innocence of the human spirit. The sound design, influenced by Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk," emphasizes the imminent danger and internal fear, making the audience feel as stranded and vulnerable as the characters. The short film cinematography and mise-en-scene is also inspired by real photographs, to keep some authenticity to moments that did happen at war.
Through this film, I hope to convey the harsh reality that war is closer than we often realize and can irreparably destroy the lives of ordinary people. If left unchecked, it can become a war that lingers for years, affecting us all.