When the war started, my family and I went to Germany leaving a happy past in our native Kyiv. My twin sister left Ukraine too. Now she and I live in different countries. We learned different languages, had to look out for ourselves. 

I really wanted to write a song in which I would convey my experiences and at the same time tell how strong and indomitable the Ukrainian people are. I was inspired by the Ukrainian writer Vasyl Stus who, by the way, was prosecuted by the Soviet government for his views on art and politics and died in a Siberian prison. He said that Ukrainians have Kalynova blood.

In June 2022, my son Hordii and I were invited to audition for a film about the events in Bucha. We were approved for the role and in March 2024 there was a premiere in cinemas all over Ukraine. We went to Kyiv. It was tremendous although even during the debut there was a missile alert. The film is called "Stay Online." It is morally very difficult, but every Ukrainian should see it so that they don't forget about our neighbors who kill, rape, and loot.

And in February 2023, my son Daniel and I were invited to meet with the famous Polish director Maciej Slesicki in Warsaw. Daniel was cast as a blind boy. It was doubly difficult because you had to be in the frame of mind to cry and sing and not be scared next to a passing Russian tank 5 meters away. The film is called "People." It tells about present Ukraine. The whole hall was in tears at the debut. Official premiere is in Poland, October 2024.