Documenting Kyiv with Ninja

Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, music producer and video director Maks Histibe has been capturing everyday life in Ukraine, showing both the harsh realities of war and the strength of its people. “Visual storytelling is my way of connecting with the world, showing that we’re still here, still creating, and still alive,” he says.

His latest documentary, Kyiv After The Airstrike 4/24, shows the aftermath of a missile strike that hit a quiet residential street just five kilometers from his home. Through raw, unfiltered footage, the film reveals the extent of destruction – from shattered homes and streets in ruin, to the urgent rescue efforts that followed. “The most difficult challenge is emotional – finding a way to capture the truth without exploiting it, while staying mentally strong enough to finish and edit the work,” he shares. But the film isn’t just about loss, it’s about resilience. “It documents not only the devastation, but the unshakable defiance of a city that refuses to fall,” he notes.

Maks keeps his setup simple to ensure he can shoot high-quality, cinematic footage even in unpredictable conditions. His go-to camera is the Panasonic Lumix GH7, with the GH5S as a back-up. Both are paired with the Atomos Ninja Ultra monitor-recorder. “High-quality sound and sharp visuals are essential to my work, and the Ninja provides both,” he says.

Alongside his cameras, Maks uses 8Sinn cages and a Cartoni Focus 8 Red Lock System tripod with a fluid head to keep his shots steady for documentary and music projects. For audio, he uses the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II and Tentacle Sync recorders for lavaliers, along with Rycote microphones to capture clear, detailed sound.

Filming in Kyiv means adapting quickly to air raid sirens, power outages, and variable weather conditions. With a small crew, Maks often has just minutes to record those all-important moments before they’re gone. Ninja’s 5-inch bright touchscreen display provides visibility in direct sunlight, while its lightweight, rugged design handles challenging environments. “Ninja’s exceptional recording quality and bright, responsive display make a real difference. Recording directly to SSDs also saves valuable time – especially when balancing the demands of editing, sound, and filming under pressure,” he explains.

“Ninja helps me stay efficient, confident, and focused on storytelling rather than technical limitations.”