This film, supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, highlights the heroism of the doctors at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Okhmatdyt" during the full-scale war. In March 2022, director Svitlana Rudyuk began filming "Not Like Before" in the hospital, moved by the resilience of the medical staff saving lives daily. The film crew spent weeks with the doctors, sometimes staying overnight in the hospital and hiding from bombings.

In July 2024, the hospital gained global attention again after a tragic event when a Russian missile struck the building. This incident reaffirmed the strength of Ukrainian doctors, who continued to provide care despite suffering injuries themselves.

In 2025, the film team returned to learn how the doctors and the facility recovered after the attack in the summer of 2024.

Central to the film are Valeriy Bovkun, a microsurgeon, and Alona Bezlehkа, a physical therapist, sharing their experiences and hopes for recovery.

"The hardest part is seeing injured children whose childhoods have been shattered. My mission is to help them return to a normal life," says Valeriy.

"In the early days of the invasion, there was a feeling of complete uncertainty and deep injustice, especially for those children who arrived with amputations. We learned together how to help these children," recalls Alona.

Over 1000 minutes of footage were shot, from which a medium-length film "Not Like Before" (46 minutes) was created.

"This film is about respect for those who save lives daily. We aimed to be part of their process," emphasizes Svitlana Rudyuk.

"We live in constant uncertainty but continue to fight. In the future, when we win, we will live with dignity, even if not like before," concludes the director.

The film can be viewed on Megogo until September 21.