Global Film Marathon 'Culture vs War' to Screen 91 Ukrainian Films Across 21 Nations

International Film Marathon 'Culture vs War'

According to МЗС: Marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the 'Watch Ukrainian' Association, with support from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is launching the eighth edition of its 'Culture vs War' international film marathon. This global cultural event will feature 91 screenings of Ukrainian cinema across 21 countries. Such initiatives highlight the resilience of Ukrainian artists and serve as a vital counter-narrative during the ongoing conflict.

The 'Culture vs War' marathon is implemented with the support of the 'MHP-Hromadi' Charitable Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The curated program includes a diverse selection of films, such as:

• The restored version of 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors' by Serhiy Parajanov
• The space drama 'You Are Space' by Pavlo Ostrikov
• The documentary series 'Culture vs War' by Kadim Tarasov
• And other films including 'Yasa', 'Family Album', and 'Palianytsia'

Organizers and Coordinators

A network of dedicated organizers and coordinators across Europe and beyond is making this event possible. In the United Kingdom, coordination is handled by Yuliia Ivanova and Lyudmyla Sergiienko from KRYLA Culture – Community & Art Organisation. In Belgium, the coordinator is Iryna Orel from Territory of participation. In France, support comes from Kateryna Pushkar and Pavlo V. Pushkar of Association MICT France – Ukraine, while in Germany, a team led by Lyudmyla Ashrafi, involving several organizations including the Community of Ukrainians in Thuringia and Ukrainian Community Koblenz e.V., is at work.

Further coordination efforts are led by Iva Hightessa in Bulgaria, Victoria Tissot in Spain, Inna Gordiienko in Estonia, Spletinia Košice in Slovakia, Palianytsia Hub in the Netherlands, Lastivka in Denmark, and Aurora4UA in Finland. Representatives from the Embassies of Ukraine in Turkey, the Czech Republic, Austria, Azerbaijan, Hungary, the United States, and Poland are also participating in this significant cultural undertaking.

This film marathon is a crucial initiative that demonstrates the resilience of Ukrainian culture in the face of war.

The 'Culture vs War' marathon aims not only to commemorate the events unfolding in Ukraine but also to promote Ukrainian cinema abroad, providing an international audience with the opportunity to engage with Ukrainian culture. It underscores the importance of cultural events in an international context and seeks to draw global attention to Ukraine's struggle through the power of art. The participation of numerous countries reflects a widespread solidarity with Ukraine and a desire to support its culture on the world stage.