dir Iryna Tsilyk, Litwa / Ukraine, 2020, 74 min. | UKR / PL

On the war-torn Donbas frontlines in Ukraine, a family finds solace in the most unexpected place: cinema. Anna, a single mother, shields her four children from the chaos and bombings raging outside. Within the walls of their home, she strives to create a vibrant haven, brimming with hope and a sense of normalcy. United by their love for cinema, the family embarks on a remarkable project: a film inspired by their daily struggles amidst the ongoing war. This heartwarming narrative delves into the power of art in the face of unimaginable hardship. What solace can the magical world of cinema offer during a war catastrophe? Can fiction accurately portray the horrors of war? Is art the best way to preserve humanity in a completely dehumanized reality? For Anna and her family, filmmaking turns out to be a healing therapy—it becomes a tool for transforming war trauma into art.

Iryna Tsilyk – born in Kyiv on November 18, 1982, Iryna Tsilyk is a Ukrainian filmmaker and writer. After graduating with a degree in television directing from the Karpenko-Karyi National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television in Kyiv (2005), Tsilyk honed her skills as an assistant director before launching into directing commercials and short films. These early works impressed audiences and critics alike, garnering recognition at international film festivals. Tsilyk’s true breakout moment came with her feature film directorial debut, “The Earth Is Blue as an Orange”. This film earned her the prestigious Directing Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Beyond filmmaking, Tsilyk is also an accomplished writer. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and presented at international literary festivals. She was an active participant in the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv. In 2020, she was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an honour she declined. She is married to writer Artem Chekh.