Film Presentation at the Cannes Film Festival
The Ukrainian documentary 'Crossing Oxus' (original title: 'Пересікаючи Окс') is set to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the Spotlighted Projects section within the Cannes Docs program, which runs alongside the Marché du Film industry market. Director Svitlana Lishchynska has dedicated over two years to this project. The film follows filmmaker Maryna as she encounters a Soviet soldier returning from Afghanistan, delving into the lingering trauma of the Soviet era.
“I’ve been working on this project for more than two years, and it’s important for me to move through this process without rushing, deeply immersing myself in the material. Being selected for Cannes Docs brings me great joy and signals that this story may resonate not only in Ukraine but also in other post-totalitarian societies.”
Svitlana Lishchynska
Producer Olga Gibelinda highlighted: 'For us, this marks a significant milestone in the project’s international development and a chance to share a narrative that speaks not just to the past, but to how it continues to shape the present.'
Significance of International Exposure
The Marché du Film is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 20. 'Crossing Oxus' was previously presented at the East Doc Platform in Prague, where it received The Docs Up Fund Award. This international screening underscores the growing global interest in Ukrainian cinema and its ability to tackle pressing social issues.
The film’s showcase at the prestigious Cannes festival represents a major step forward for Ukrainian cinema as it actively pursues international recognition. Its successful run at the East Doc Platform and the award it earned highlight the project’s strong potential, which could further integrate Ukrainian art into the global cultural landscape. By examining the complex legacy of a totalitarian past, the documentary is poised to become an important voice for many societies that have endured similar historical experiences.