You must register by 4pm on December 3, 2024 to attend this event.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University will screen the third and final installment of the new documentary series “Culture vs. War.” It is a collection of six documentaries shorts united by one theme: how Ukrainian culture was transformed into a weapon to repel the brutal Russian aggression. The two final documentaries to be screened feature the world-renowned poet Serhii Zhadan and musician Taras Kompanichenko. The films will be introduced by Yuri Shevchuk, who will also moderate the post-screening discussion.
Serhii Zhadan, poet, prose-writer, translator, and musician, perhaps one of the most internationally published Ukrainian authors today. His works were translated into some 30 languages. Since the outbreak of the full-scale war he has been organizing artistic events to boost Ukrainians’ morale as well as to garner material support for Ukrainian soldiers. Says, Serhii Zhadan, “There is no doubt that what is occurring now between us is a war of cultures, values, principles, and different realities. All these beautiful things about freedom, democracy, human dignity, easily lose their real meaning. But for Ukrainians who are face to face with the second most powerful army in the world, these values turned out to be alive, genuine, such that one can and needs to die for. Ukraine’s victory in this war gives the world the opportunity to regain its values.”
Taras Kompanichenko, kobza and bandura player, the frontman of the band “Khoreia Kozatska.” For 30 years he has studied ancient Ukrainian music and popularized the ancient tradition of bandura- and lira-playing both nationally and internationally. At the very outset of the full-scale Russian aggression, he has joined the Ukrainian Territorial Defense as a volunteer and continues to do artistic and educational work in the Armed Forces. Says Taras Kompanichenko, “Only the free spirit of the people can realize its mission. Our spirit has awakened, it is ready to make every sacrifice imaginable in order to be free.”
The film project is realized by the Watch Ukrainian Association to promote Ukrainian film with support of the European Union in Ukraine, the МХП for Community Foundation and the Babylon Company.
Docuseries webpage: https://culturevswar.org.ua/en/
