Ukraine, Displaced
A special programme of short films about displacement and resilience from filmmakers working inside and outside of Ukraine.
These films thoughtfully explore the emotional journeys of individuals forced to escape the devastation of war, highlighting the experience of being thrust into a new life unwillingly. From Ukrainian children exploring their new home in a former German military barracks to a young woman returning to Kyiv to see her family, these tender and poignant films examine the struggles of adjusting to unfamiliar circumstances while striving to maintain a connection to one's home.
This event is organised with the financial support of the UK/UA Creative Partnerships programme designed by the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute.
Smoke Of The Fire
A Ukrainian film-maker who has taken refuge in Portugal is patiently learning Portuguese. Between languages, between images from here and those from a country at war, a voice tries to put into words the state of exile.
Daryna Mamaisur | Ukraine, Portugal | 22 mins
Waking Up In Silence
Ukrainian children are confronted with their past as they explore their new home in Germany: a former military barracks. They ride bicycles, make wreaths of wild flowers and explore the empty rooms and corridors. In their games, they discover military symbols from the past and link them to their own experiences and hopes.
Mila Zhluktenko, Daniel Asadi Faezi | Ukraine, Germany | 18 mins
In Paris No One Thinks About Tomorrow
Alissa is a Ukrainian model who has taken refuge in Paris. Having just lost someone close to her, she finally gets her first contract for a fashion show. Traumatized by war and exile, Alissa seems indifferent to everything around her, and now seeks only one thing: harmony.
Andrii Kokura | Ukraine, France | 14 mins
Guests From Kharkiv
Nelia is the owner of a folk museum in a village the Poltava region. She and her husband Oleksandr shelter 15 refugees from Kharkiv in the museum and teach their new guests local dialect and traditions, and how to plant a vegetable garden to feed themselves.
Halyna Lavrinets | Ukraine | 20 mins
As It Was
Lera has been living in Berlin for almost a year since the outbreak of the war. One day she decides to go back to Kyiv. On her way, she finds out that her family is not in Kyiv and will arrive only the next day. She meets her friend Kyrylo, with whom she spends the day.
Damian Kocur | Ukraine, Poland | 15 mins
One Aloe, One Ficus, One Avocado and Six Dracaenas
Smerechynska. Ukraine, France 2023. 8 mins. What to take, what to leave? How important are material possessions when you’re trying to save your life? Packages from Ukraine – filled with everything and nothing – wait patiently under a bridge to be found. Each item has a story, a memory that is being left behind.
Marta Smerechynska | Ukraine, France | 8 mins
LIFF Shorts
A whole programme section dedicated to the best new short films from around the world, including eight competitions.