After Russia's 2022 invasion, award-winning Ukrainian filmmaker and cinematographer Artem Ryzhykov became a soldier in the Ukrainian army. But he also remained a filmmaker, often carrying both a camera and a gun. Joining the Territorial Defence Forces and given the nickname ‘Canon’, Ryzhykov attempts to grapple with military life alongside his comrades, while striving to stay connected with Irina, his young wife. As his experience grows, his perspective shifts – he is forced to come to terms with the pain of losing fellow soldiers as well as confronting the profound ethical dilemma of documenting war.

An intelligent and searching documentary exploring honour, duty and the impact of conflict, A Simple Soldier is also a story of love, friendship and family.