Category
Culture

UNITED24 Media Premieres “The Lanterns” Documentary on Frontline Marine Combat Medics

2 min read
Google logo Prefer U24 Media on Google
Authors
A promotional poster for the documentary "The Lanterns" highlights the story of Ukrainian combat medics and their journey toward psychological recovery. (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)
A promotional poster for the documentary "The Lanterns" highlights the story of Ukrainian combat medics and their journey toward psychological recovery. (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)

The documentary "The Lanterns" has officially premiered in Kyiv on June 6, offering an intimate look at the lives of combat medics from the 37th Separate Marine Brigade.

Produced by UNITED24 Media in partnership with the Repower initiative, the film explores the immense physical and mental challenges faced by those who operate stabilization points near the frontlines.

We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.

DONATE NOW

The film’s title serves as a poignant metaphor: combat medics are like lanterns—they illuminate the path for others, but they risk burning out themselves under the relentless pressure of war.

The documentary follows three key protagonists as they transition from the harsh reality of the Dnipropetrovsk region to a 10-day rehabilitation program in Sweden, designed to help them process their trauma and find a momentary escape from the battlefield.

"It does not solve your life's problems, but it helps you sort them out in your head and understand what to do with them," says a paramedic identified by the call sign Nazar, one of the film’s subjects.

Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)
Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)
Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)
Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)

The Repower program combines psychological therapy, physical rehabilitation, and cultural exchange to help restore the mental well-being of military personnel.

Having already supported nearly 2,000 medical professionals, the initiative is now looking to expand its reach. The team’s goal is to establish a permanent psychological recovery center in Ukraine, which would be capable of serving more than 3,500 defenders annually.

Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)
Premiere presentation of the documentary film "The Lanterns." (Source: Repower Charitable foundation)

"The Lanterns" is more than just a story of survival; it is a call to action to support the people who keep the Ukrainian defense effort alive. The film is available to watch now on the official YouTube channel of the UNITED24 Media.

See all

Be part of our reporting

When you support UNITED24 Media, you join our readers in keeping accurate war journalism alive. The stories we publish are possible because of you.