This film was not easy to make. How do you represent the sufferings of people at war? How do you create momentum when a war in Ukraine doesn't make sense? I decided to leave the film I made on my iPhone for a long time until the time was right—the time is right now. Seven print-operators dead. Everything destroyed. A Heidelberg 10-color machine and its operators blasted with glass from an incoming missile. Aggression like the ones we see on TV, in the news, and on the Internet; most people in Ukraine are sick and tired of the films and the pictures. Casualties in the hundreds of thousands. Casualties that haven't done anything besides being people living in a power momentum mostly led by evil men. Politicians, priests, and influencers cause wars, but rarely the people - and here, just a few days before the inauguration of Donald Trump in the US, the time has never been more divided, and he and his allies thrive. The fear, the uncertainty, the upbuilding of us and them has never been worse, and all driven by populations that have more information available than ever - and yet, media are not trusted, governments aren't trusted, judges are not trusted - and some people believe more in the radical podcast host than in data, statistics, processes, and even science. The world has become a pick-and-choose buffet where you pick the truth that fits your agenda. Trump claims that the war in Ukraine doesn't belong to Americans. You can argue that distance makes a European matter, but that's not the reason. The real reason is that democracies and the so-called free world are global and that the few countries still have democracies should stand up and protect - despite the distance, and not related to any simple man who believes everything is a bargain. This is my journey to Ukraine - a war Russia can not be allowed to win. Production supported by Heidelberg & Cloudprinter.com Heidelberg also supplied all spare parts to Faktor-Druk for free.
Henrik Müller Hansen, CEO of Gelato Connect, shares a compelling vision for the printing industry's future. With a focus on leveraging technology, streamlining logistics, and embracing local, on-demand production, Henrik discusses how the industry can evolve to meet modern consumer demands while addressing challenges like overcapacity. Drawing from his extensive experience, Henrik delves into the importance of collaboration, the transformative power of software, and the need to rethink traditional approaches to production and distribution. He also highlights the opportunities presented by changing global dynamics, from sustainability to shifting geopolitical landscapes, and how these factors create exciting growth potential for the industry. This conversation is a deep dive into innovation, strategy, and the potential for print to redefine itself in a rapidly changing world. Let’s dive into this thought-provoking discussion with Henrik Müller Hansen.
This is Morten from Inkish. It's my last night in Ukraine after four intense days. There weren't many direct threats, but the experience was unique. Crossing from Poland to Ukraine, I had little idea what to expect. My friends here assured me it was safe, and I trusted them. This mission felt important personally and for INKISH to tell crucial stories supporting our industry and democracy. Books have historically represented knowledge and free speech. They are one of many information sources today, but their role remains vital. When Martijn from Cloudprinter.com told me about the bombing of Faktor Druk in Kharkiv, I realized the gravity. This attack by Russia on a printing company producing schoolbooks was an attempt to destroy education and culture. Language is a key part of identity. An attack on a printing company is an attack on democracy and free speech. The Russian invasion aims to erase Ukrainian culture, starting from the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The West's lack of action then has had lasting impacts. Visiting Kharkiv, I saw the devastation firsthand. The printing company, once producing a million books a month, was severely damaged by missile attacks, killing employees and destroying equipment. Despite this, the resilient staff is determined to rebuild. The war's impact on civilians is profound. Many have lost lives and limbs, and the societal fabric is torn. In Kharkiv, I saw how war disrupts daily life and education. The printing company needs work, not money, to recover. Supporting them by giving them printing jobs can help them rebuild. This mission was eye-opening. The Ukrainian people are fighting for their culture and democracy against an aggressor. It’s crucial to support them and stand against such aggression globally. If you believe in democracy and free speech, consider supporting Ukrainian businesses and sharing their story. Thank you for listening. I hope you understand the importance of this cause and appreciate the peace and stability in your own lives. LinkedIn Profile:
Hello, everyone! This is Morten from INKISH. Today’s episode is a bit different from what we usually do. I’m excited to talk to my good friend, Rob Ens, from Toronto, Canada. Welcome to INKISH, Rob! Thank you, Morten. It’s a pleasure to speak with you. Likewise, Rob! It wasn't too long ago that we met in Düsseldorf at Duba. It was great you could come and see me, even though I was a bit stressed. That was one of the main reasons I went—to see you in action. And it was worth it! Recently, you reached out to me after I announced my plans to visit Ukraine next week. I'm going there to cover a story about a printing company, Faktadruk, which was deliberately bombed by the Russians on May 24th. Seven Heidelberg operators were killed, and more than 20 people were injured. Seeing the devastation on CNN and other major networks, it's a miracle more people didn't die. You mentioned this resonated with you because your family has roots in Ukraine and faced similar hardships after World War I and before World War II. I’d love to hear your story. But first, can you share your thoughts on the current situation in Ukraine? I usually avoid discussing politics online, but here we are. I support Ukraine. I have many Russian and Ukrainian friends, and I love them dearly. However, my family lost their land and privileges in Ukraine, and many family members died during the Bolshevik Revolution. So, I deeply sympathize with the Ukrainian people. They want to live in peace, and I believe they deserve our support. I bring this up because I, too, have Russian friends. Most of them now live in Denmark, the USA, or Canada. Of course, I still have connections in the industry in Russia. I believe that most individuals are not to blame for the war. In my opinion, which is political, Vladimir Putin bears most of the responsibility for the tragic events in Ukraine. There are similarities to the Bolshevik era you mentioned, which was around the 1920s, right? It was around 1919. My family kept detailed records and even wrote a book about it. The story feels different when read from a distance. Let me tell you a bit about the background. This book, housed in the Mennonite Archives in Winnipeg, was partly written by my great-grandmother when she came to Canada. I hadn’t read it until the war broke out, and it was an emotional experience. My great-grandmother wrote in factual terms about their hardships. Mennonites, originally Germans living in Ukraine, were pacifists invited by Catherine the Great to farm the land. They thrived peacefully for over 100 years. My great-grandfather, a learned teacher and lay preacher, was tragically killed by bandits during the revolution, which targeted landowners. The family faced immense hardships, including typhus brought by occupying soldiers. Despite these challenges, my great-grandmother's resilience shone through, seeing even the foggy day of her husband's funeral as a blessing for its safety. Hearing these stories makes us appreciate our fortunate lives today. They remind us of the resilience and hope that can emerge from the most difficult circumstances. Do you still have distant relatives in Ukraine, or did your entire family leave or disappear from there? Most of our direct relatives left Ukraine. An aunt who visited in the 1970s, whose husband had been sent to a Siberian gulag, initially thought our life in the West was staged because she couldn’t believe our prosperity. This underscores how fortunate we are to live in a part of the world with security, education, free speech, and other freedoms. That’s why I decided to go to Kharkiv, despite the risks. Faktadruk is one of the largest printing companies in Europe, printing schoolbooks for all of Ukraine. When the Russians attack such a significant institution, it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine Ukrainian culture and education. Ukraine is a vast country, as big as the entire Midwest in the US. Covering this story is essential to highlight the impact on the printing industry and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Your heart drives you, Morten. You consistently seek the truth, which is why we admire you. I believe you’ll uncover important stories that can’t be orchestrated. I received a message from a Ukrainian woman who hopes I’ll see some of Kharkiv’s beauty despite the war. Documenting the damage to the printing company and its importance to the industry is crucial. Rob, do these family stories still resonate with your family, or do they fade over time? I’m the one reviving these stories. My cousin, a historian, and I keep history alive, ensuring we understand both sides. My uncle shared insights about the challenges wealthy landowners face, emphasizing the need for benevolence. Thank you for sharing your story, Rob. After my trip to Ukraine, I might call you again to share my insights. I’d love that. Stay safe, and I look forward to hearing from you.
He could see on satellite photos that Russian troops were being prepared in Belarus. A plane was canceled as the cabin crew and pilots refused to fly to Ukraine. He was under the impression that a war in the 2020s would be a cyber war. He and his team hoped for the best but planned for the worst. Here is the story about managing a global software company being attacked by Russia. Very emotional, very good, learn! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijneier/
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