16.00–17.45 | Rock. Paper. Grenade., dir. Iryna Tsilyk, Ukraine, 2022, 92 min.| Workshops of Culture, Grodzka 5a – audytorium 2nd floor | UKR/PL

About

“Rock Paper Grenade” is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the tumultuous backdrop of post-Soviet Ukraine. The film follows Tymofiy, a young boy growing up in a provincial town, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, first encounters with kindness and cruelty, the joys and struggles of teenage love, and the search for friendship and mentorship. Tymofiy’s life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Felix, a charismatic but troubled veteran of the Afghan War. A former counterintelligence officer, Felix is now a broken man battling alcoholism, yet he possesses an undeniable charm that draws Tymofiy in. Their friendship is a whirlwind of adventure and danger, mirroring the unpredictable and often harsh realities of growing up in the 1990s. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Iryna Tsilyk’s husband, Artem Chekh, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

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.