A Special Screening of the Documentary Project "Culture vs War" Will Take Place Within the Framework of the 15th Odesa ICF

At the 15th Odesa International Film Festival, films will be shown as part of a special screening of the documentary project "Culture vs War", initiated by the "Look Ukrainian!" Association. in April 2022 in order to record and convey the truth about Russia's war against Ukraine through the stories of the struggle of famous artists. The project consists of 7 documentaries, an exhibition of documentary military photos and an art book. Kadim Tarasov was the director of the tapes, Yuriy Gruzinov was the director of photography.

The special screening at the 15th Odesa International Film Festival included 4 short films of the project:

"Culture vs war. Serhii Mykhalchuk" is a film about the famous Ukrainian cinematographer, winner of the Berlinale Silver Bear. Serhii Mykhalchuk made about 40 films, 4 of which were nominated for an Oscar. The hero of the film is the laureate of the first prize for the best cinematography of the film festival in San Sebastian, the laureate of the "Golden Dziga" award in the nomination "Best cinematographer-director". Cinematographer-director of the following famous films: "Mamay", "Guide", "Wild Field", "Dovbush". Serhii Mykhalchuk is currently a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine, documented by him, are evidence of the crimes of the Russian army at the Hague Military Tribunal.

"Culture vs war. Akhtem Seitablaev" is a film about a Crimean Tatar director, actor and producer, head of the Crimean House in Ukraine. Akhtem Seitablayev is the director of the following famous films: "Zakhar Berkut", "Cyborgs", "Alien's Prayer", "Mirny 21", "Khaitarma" and others. Awarded the "Golden Cross" badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The hero is a laureate of the "Kyiv Pectoral" theater award and the Vasyl Stus award. With the beginning of a full-scale invasion, he serves in the ranks of the Territorial Defense.

"Culture vs war. Serhii Zhadan" is a story about a famous Ukrainian poet, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, translator and musician. Serhiy Zhadan is the most translated modern Ukrainian writer in foreign languages, a three-time laureate of the BBC Book of the Year award, and in 2017 he received the Vasyl Stus Award. In 2022, the artist was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. In addition, he is the founder and member of the popular Ukrainian band Zhadan and Dogs. With the beginning of the great war between Russia and Ukraine, Serhii Zhadan actively volunteered to help the soldiers, this year he joined the ranks of the 13th brigade of the "Charter" NSU.

"Culture vs war. Antitila" is a film about the musicians of the Ukrainian band "Antitila", whose members changed their musical instruments for weapons from the first day of the full-scale invasion, defending Ukraine as part of a combat battalion. The musicians took a direct part in the battles for the Kharkiv region. Since the spring of 2023, the band has been performing concerts all over the world, drawing attention to the events in Ukraine and collecting humanitarian aid and funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The 15th Odesa International Film Festival will be held from July 12 to 20, 2024 in the city of Kyiv.

The 15th OMCF is being held with the support of the State Agency of Ukraine for Cinema and the "Creative Europe" Program of the European Union.