Deaf Ukrainian Photographer Captures War's Vibrations

In the upcoming war documentary "Viktor," director Olivier Sarbil shines a light on the experiences of Ukraine's deaf community during the ongoing Russian invasion. The film, set to open in Los Angeles on October 3, 2025, follows a deaf Ukrainian man named Viktor who decides to enlist in his country's armed forces but is instead drawn to become a war photographer.

Sarbil, who also serves as the film's cinematographer, was inspired to tell this story after losing hearing in one of his own ears while making a previous war documentary in Libya. The director wanted to explore how the deaf community in Ukraine was coping with the realities of the conflict, and Viktor's journey provides a unique perspective.

The film features a striking black-and-white visual style and a sound design that aims to replicate Viktor's experience as a deaf individual, emphasizing the vibrations he would feel rather than traditional audio. "Viktor" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and has since garnered acclaim at several other festivals, including the Hamptons International Film Festival and Camerimage.

Sarbil's previous work directing war documentaries for "Frontline," such as 2017's "Mosul," has prepared him to tackle the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With "Viktor," he offers a poignant and visually striking exploration of the war through the lens of a deaf protagonist, shedding light on a perspective that is often overlooked.