Guest 2023 : Mark Hammond

Director’s Statement

During October and November 2022 I traveled the entire length of Ukraine’s Eastern frontline, from Kharkiv to Kherson, filming in cities and villages directly impacted by the war. Most were previously occupied by the Russians and only recently liberated, and it was through the assistance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that I was able to film in these restricted military areas.

The recently completed film does more than visually document the near total destruction of life in this region. It’s a human story, one that gives voice to a cross section of women and men – farmers, soldiers, villagers, medics et al who are fighting to live through this war. Time and time again they openly shared their personal stories with me, hoping that others might come to understand the reality of this war and the profound impact it has had on their lives.

Zero Zone also brings the viewer up close, directly to the front line where the battle is still taking place, where despite the mud and the cold and the incredible odds stacked against them the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty continues.

I dedicate this film to the indomitable spirit and generosity of the Ukrainian people.

Mark Hammond Biography

Since attending NYU Film School, Mark Hammond has worked as a director and producer for film and television for the past 35 years. Mr. Hammond has extensive experience in putting together international co-productions including the broadcast documentaries: Japan: Food for the Spirit, The Silent Invasion, Paper Clouds, Koyasan, Mini-Dragons and In No Uncertain Terms. From 2007–2017 Mr. Hammond worked as a director/producer for the World Health Organization as a UN contractor producing documentaries on an array of Public Health issues across Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. In addition, he has produced a wide range of documentaries on immigration, fake medicine, and the challenges of containing and treating various tropical diseases. Commissioning organisations include the World Health Organization, USAID, Kenan Foundation, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jacques Chirac Foundation, US Pharmacopeia et al. More recently he completed Pharmacide, a four-part documentary series on counterfeit medicine and The Traitor, a 1971-set political thriller.

He is currently in post production on Zero Zone, a feature documentary filmed on the Eastern front in Ukraine.