TikTok and War Intersect in “Following Valeria”
Nicola Fegg’s short documentary follows a young Ukrainian woman who becomes a social-media star and a refugee at the same time.
Category
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LifestyleTranscript
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02:09 (waves crashing)
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02:44 (soft music)
02:46 (speaking in foreign language)
03:00 (speaking in foreign language)
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04:20 (laughing)
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04:45 (laughing)
04:48 (speaking in foreign language)
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05:21 (people chattering)
05:24 (people chattering)
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06:17 (people chattering)
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07:22 (speaking in foreign language)
07:26 (speaking in foreign language)
07:29 (speaking in foreign language)
07:33 (speaking in foreign language)
07:37 - War celebrity.
08:02 - I'm so sorry for your loss.
08:03 - Rest in peace.
08:04 - So is that the end of European vacation?
08:07 - What's next, a Maserati?
08:08 - Sure, all coming to Germany in their Porsche,
08:11 big Mercedes and BMW.
08:12 - And she makes money with the plane.
08:14 (speaking in foreign language)
08:16 - Most of us can't afford a house with a garden,
08:18 but you're living the dream.
08:20 - She's a war fluencer, sweetie.
08:21 Look at that.
08:22 - All this time you did war influencing,
08:23 you could find a job to afford buying your own food
08:26 and not play the victim anymore.
08:28 - Are you making money off this influence thing?
08:29 - Just turn off your comments.
08:31 - War celebrity.
08:32 - War celebrity.
08:33 (gentle music)
08:38 (speaking in foreign language)
08:59, (speaking in foreign language)
09:04 (speaking in foreign language)
09:08 (blender whirring)
09:26 (blender whirring)
09:29 (cat meowing)
09:41 - How many things he has in his house and he doesn't use it?
09:48 Okay.
09:56 Not okay.
09:57 Okay, here is the best light
10:04 and then to put my phone somewhere here.
10:08 My team.
10:24 Okay.
10:25 What are your thoughts about the current situation
10:28 in Ukraine?
10:29 Today, I can't do it because you are here.
10:34 It's impossible.
10:43 I can't think when someone with me.
10:46 Hello.
10:47 Where I am right now, so how you see this amazing house,
10:53 it's a house of German man who decided to host us,
10:57 not only me, but my brother, his wife, and their daughter.
11:02 So we are stay here together,
11:05 but before I lived in Milan for three months
11:08 with Italian family who decided also to help me
11:12 and I'm so thankful to all people who surrounded me
11:17 during this strange part, period of my life.
11:22 So, okay, what are the plans at the moment?
11:26 My plans at the moment continue this super strange life
11:30 and maybe I hope very soon I can come back to Ukraine
11:35 and meet my family because I didn't see them six months.
11:41 Why is it important we still talk about,
11:45 why is still, because you need to remember
11:51 every year, because you need, no.
11:53 So it's so important because every person need to remember
12:04 that Russia is a terrorist state and what else?
12:08 It's so important because every day we need to remember
12:13 that Russia is a terrorist state and then I don't know
12:17 what to tell because they're total shit and that's it.
12:20 I don't know what to really say.
12:22 So, some new channel wrote to me, nothing unusual.
12:30 It's called Rattl.
12:32 They want to come to our house and shoot an interview
12:36 where we live.
12:38 I write that I don't want them to come to us.
12:41 - Rattl is... - Some German.
12:44 I don't want to think anymore, I don't feel comfortable
12:47 when I'm being filmed.
12:49 Too many people.
12:51 And you started making videos in TikTok.
12:54 No, I control the process.
12:57 I control the process there too.
12:59 Some people have their hands growing out of their asses
13:02 and I'm a freak on camera.
13:04 It's okay, we'll get over it.
13:08 You wrote something terrible.
13:10 I wrote, "Thank you for the invitation, but I will feel
13:13 uncomfortable because it's not my territory,
13:16 it's not my home, and that's it.
13:19 Thank you for the invitation. Goodbye."
13:22 People are talking, Ukrainians are on their phones,
13:27 and one is sitting and learning, the rest are stupid.
13:30 It's very simple, but there's no phone, that's it.
13:34 And no phone.
13:36 [music]
13:39 [speaking German]
13:42 [music]
13:46 Did you like it?
13:54 I like one with...
13:56 [speaking German]
13:59 [music]
14:02 [speaking Russian]
14:13 [speaking Russian]
14:17 [speaking Russian]
14:20 [speaking Russian]
14:25 [speaking Russian]
14:28 [speaking Russian]
14:37 [speaking Russian]
14:40 It's just disgusting what you're doing here.
14:56 How are you not dead?
14:57 Looks like you're doing fine.
14:59 This is disgusting. Shame on you.
15:01 How are you still alive?
15:02 She's so selfish.
15:03 I can't believe some people are hating on you.
15:04 Stay safe, we love you.
15:06 She's got jokes about the war and people giving her a platform for this.
15:09 You should be more scared. You're going to die.
15:11 We do not care. Stay mad and keep crying.
15:14 Ignore the haters. You're loved.
15:15 This girl's humor is so advanced, no one can understand it.
15:19 Aloha.
15:28 [speaking Russian]
15:32 [speaking Russian]
15:36 [speaking Russian]
15:40 [speaking Russian]
15:43 [speaking Russian]
15:46 [speaking Russian]
15:52 [speaking Russian]
16:01 [speaking Russian]
16:04 [soft music]
16:30 [soft music]
16:33 [speaking Russian]
16:41 [speaking Russian]
16:50 [speaking Russian]
16:53 [speaking Russian]
16:58 [speaking Russian]
17:19 [speaking Russian]
17:22 [speaking Russian]
17:28 Is it only TikTok that you use?
17:45 I used Instagram, but now my Instagram is blocked because Instagram doesn't like when you talk many things about Russia.
17:53 And if I write something bad, they just block me.
17:58 And now I don't have my Instagram for the third week.
18:02 So I'm just waiting for Instagram to open.
18:05 We should do something about that. Can you write to me, please?
18:08 To me?
18:09 Yes.
18:10 And you can open my Instagram.
18:11 We will make a claim and ask.
18:13 Let me see. Let me see what I look like.
18:16 Perfect.
18:17 Nice.
18:18 [speaking Russian]
18:21 Sorry, this is futile, but I look really bad. Can we take a new one?
18:25 Thank you.
18:26 I think it was the same for you.
18:28 You have to be very focused to get the essence of the questions.
18:30 And then I have to think about what is the general topic that evolves, because I cannot go into 300 details.
18:37 I think we're going to take one more question and then take a listen.
18:41 It's actually too hot.
18:44 What do you think? Maybe it's a simple question, but when the war will end, the end of the war,
18:54 like next year, next two years, what is your idea about that?
18:59 I don't know.
19:00 But we're so impressed by the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
19:05 And we will never be able to match the sacrifices that you are having.
19:10 Yeah, that was it.
19:12 Okay.
19:13 Can I take a picture with you?
19:15 Yes, of course.
19:16 And thank you for your support to Ukraine.
19:20 I like your outfit.
19:22 Colors, colors.
19:26 Have you seen all my female commissioners?
19:28 Yes, I saw your picture on Instagram.
19:30 It's nice.
19:31 All my female commissioners.
19:32 One, one, one.
19:33 Look at me.
19:34 Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry.
19:35 Everybody, okay.
19:36 Three, two, one.
19:38 Oh, I see her.
19:40 I need to catch her.
19:41 For what?
19:42 Excuse me, can I take a picture with you?
19:44 One moment, one moment.
19:46 Big smile.
19:57 The influencers, yes.
20:00 Please, join here.
20:01 Thank you.
20:05 Nice.
20:06 Super.
20:16 Super.
20:17 Nice.
20:18 Thank you.
20:19 Okay, you're so nice.
20:21 Super.
20:22 Pretty cool.
20:23 I like that I was staying near her.
20:27 I said to her, "You're so beautiful."
20:29 And she said to me, "You are too so beautiful."
20:32 Super.
20:33 Okay.
20:42 It's a traditional media.
20:44 We are going to start doing TikToks now.
20:46 Okay.
20:47 So maybe here.
20:48 You were very popular due to the war and that you were informing in TikTok.
20:53 How was the beginning using TikTok?
20:56 How was it?
20:57 Because it was very hard.
20:59 I have a question.
21:01 Can you show me how you film?
21:03 Okay.
21:04 No, I mean, stop it.
21:07 And then show me how I look.
21:09 Because you film so close.
21:11 Okay.
21:12 No, I don't like that you're so close.
21:20 Okay.
21:21 It's this part.
21:24 I mean...
21:26 Yes, not so close.
21:30 So, okay.
21:31 You asked me about TikTok.
21:33 Yeah, how was it?
21:34 Why do you...
21:35 I can take this if you prefer.
21:38 No, I don't.
21:39 Because it feels that you're uncomfortable.
21:41 No, I don't worry.
21:42 Don't worry.
21:43 Well, could you tell me, Valeria, how was the experience?
21:47 And why do you say, "Well, I'm going to inform about the world in another way"?
21:51 How was the beginning?
21:53 So, I mean, it was a simple beginning.
21:58 I'm so sorry, I feel so uncomfortable.
22:01 I don't want to argue.
22:03 No?
22:04 I'm so sorry.
22:05 And if you have done it?
22:06 No, no, I'm so sorry.
22:07 On your first year?
22:08 No, I mean, I don't know why, but I feel uncomfortable.
22:12 Yeah.
22:13 Because, you know, many hundred times people ask me something,
22:20 and I feel disgusted on film camera,
22:22 and I don't feel that it's nice quality for this.
22:28 So, I'm so sorry.
22:29 Okay, okay.
22:30 I'm so sorry.
22:31 Okay.
22:32 So, the moment of truth.
22:42 Oh, no, not yet.
22:44 Oh, yes!
22:45 Yes!
22:46 Nikola, I can like your picture.
22:51 [laughing]
22:52 Congratulations, girl!
22:56 You are super!
22:57 I don't even know what to say.
22:59 The president of the European Parliament got her Instagram back.
23:04 That is power!
23:05 She is so powerful.
23:07 Did you do it?
23:10 My Instagram is back!
23:11 God, I'm shocked!
23:13 I feel like, I don't know, I feel like...
23:16 I'm shocked, I'm really shocked.
23:20 Thank you.
23:21 Hi, I'm Nina from Croatia, and I'm in...
23:29 I'm so tired.
23:31 So, you may be wondering what are we looking at.
23:40 And this is the Ukrainian flag.
23:43 Oh, you see the great Britain flag is down because of Elizabeth.
23:49 How do you like it here in the European Parliament?
23:52 It's cool.
23:54 I think I'll realize it a bit later.
23:58 When we'll be back.
24:00 Yes, it's cool.
24:02 I can't imagine that Ursula von der Leyen will talk to us.
24:09 She'll forget us in five minutes.
24:11 Yes, but it's still nice.
24:13 Let's go to the chamber.
24:15 I'm so happy to see you.
24:16 War was the best thing that ever happened to your career.
24:33 It's getting old. Go back to your country and help to rebuild it.
24:36 Go back to Kiev to help your countrymen.
24:38 I really don't like this girl. Take a weapon and fight for your country.
24:41 Stop the war, says the girl that fleed the country. Fuck.
24:45 Russia made you rich and famous.
24:47 Wow, what a flex to meet Ursula von der Leyen.
24:49 The real winner of the war is you.
24:51 Her only personality is Ukraine.
24:53 Fuck Ukraine.
24:54 Fuck you and your country.
24:55 Who is that? He's kind of hot.
24:57 That's Putin.
24:58 I hope Putin will kill you.
24:59 Putin is the best.
25:00 Putin should kill you.
25:01 Putin will be your president soon.
25:03 [Sounds of a train passing]
25:05 Did you take my ticket?
25:17 Yes.
25:18 I can stay in an apartment in Berlin until the 17th.
25:23 Where is that bird sound coming from?
25:26 I turned it on.
25:28 Really?
25:30 Yes, it's a radio.
25:32 Why don't you like birds?
25:36 It's weird.
25:39 You always wanted to live by the sea. Or not anymore?
25:45 I don't know.
25:47 Hello.
25:58 People will start to scare you.
26:00 Yaroslav!
26:14 Chicken!
26:16 [Sounds of a train passing]
26:18 Will you go to the center of Nuremberg?
26:33 There will be a concert on Friday, 26th.
26:37 No, I mean the Independence Day.
26:40 Is there a concert tomorrow?
26:42 No, a parade.
26:44 On the streets?
26:45 What are you doing in Berlin?
27:08 Enjoy life.
27:11 I'll go. I'll find an apartment for one month.
27:16 And from Berlin I go to Ukraine by bus.
27:20 Kiev or what?
27:22 But I will not live in a bomb shelter.
27:25 No.
27:26 I will live in my apartment.
27:27 I don't know. You can go out and make reports.
27:31 No, of course I will do it.
27:33 By my phone.
27:34 I'm sad, mama.
27:41 I cannot understand this.
27:44 I know here it's a TikTok.
27:50 I can do TikToks in Ukraine.
27:54 Or here.
27:58 Everywhere.
28:01 I don't know.
28:02 Yes.
28:16 I see one red...
28:17 Ah, there is a red one.
28:19 Where is Valya? With her grandmother?
28:24 She just ran past you.
28:26 I didn't see her.
28:27 I didn't even notice Valya.
28:30 Show me.
28:31 How nice.
28:37 I'm tired.
28:41 I'm tired.
28:42 Take her to the sun.
29:03 Stand up.
29:05 Sorry.
29:06 Stand closer to each other.
29:10 Yes.
29:11 What is this?
29:36 A phone.
29:37 Exactly.
29:38 Here.
29:39 Okay.
29:42 Bye.
29:44 Bye.
29:46 Valya.
29:48 Bye.
29:51 Bye.
29:52 Kiss.
29:53 Kiss.
29:54 Bye.
29:55 We continue the show "Keeping up with Kardashians".
30:04 Woo!
30:05 Do you hear sirens in the bunker?
30:19 I don't know. I was sleeping.
30:23 I didn't even hear the sound of a bomb.
30:27 When I was sleeping.
30:28 I was screaming in my sleep.
30:31 No loud bombs?
30:32 No.
30:33 There was a noise from the ceiling.
30:35 Like, at any time of the day.
30:38 When I arrived in...
30:41 Ukraine?
30:42 Ukraine is far away.
30:44 In the cinema.
30:45 Do you know how loud it was in Ukraine?
30:47 And when I arrived in the cinema, I heard something too.
30:51 Exactly.
30:53 [Siren wailing]
30:55 [Siren wailing]
31:23 [Speaking in Russian]
31:26 [Cheering]
31:38 [Chanting]
31:40 Heroes of Glory!
31:41 Heroes of Glory!
31:43 Heroes of Glory!
31:46 [Cheering]
31:48 [Siren wailing]
31:51 [Siren wailing]
31:54 [Siren wailing]
31:56 [Music]
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33:01 [BLANK_AUDIO]