It’s finally happening! The first-ever Ukrainian Film Festival is coming to Los Angeles this November 21–23!

The festival’s mission is to bring audiences closer to the stories of ordinary people who, against their will, found themselves in extraordinary circumstances and were forced to fight for their lives and the independence of their country, demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience, and creativity. Twelve internationally acclaimed documentaries will open a window into the lives of Ukrainians who face danger every day yet do not give up, nurturing hope and culture while preserving the unbreakable spirit of the nation. The festival aims to inspire not only empathy but also pride and admiration for those who continue to fight, create, and live with dignity and courage.

You might not believe it, but this truly is the first Ukrainian film festival in Los Angeles! The idea has been floating in the air, waiting for the right moment. About a year ago, at a meeting of the UNWLA Branch 111, members discussed and selected a future project that would reflect the organization’s mission — advocacy, culture, education, and care — and could unite the Ukrainian community. Luba Keske, former vice president at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and the most experienced among us in film production, proposed organizing the first Ukrainian film festival in Los Angeles. The idea quickly found enthusiastic support among members, and that very day, a Film Committee was established. Its members included the president of UNWLA Branch 111 Natalia Rulchyk, Valentyna Levytsky, an editor, a translator and localization manager in the film industry, and Anastasiia Bazdyreva, an actress, journalist, and documentarian. 

The initiative was soon supported by the Ukrainian Art Center (UAC), led by its president Daria Chaikovska, known for organizing the vibrant and successful annual Pysanka Festival, and the Ukrainian Culture Center (UCC), which hosts the most significant and high-profile Ukrainian events in Los Angeles, now under the presidency of Taras Semchyshyn.
The festival brought together three nonprofit organizations — UNWLA, UAC, and UCC — and became possible thanks to the efforts of numerous volunteers and sponsors.

Why documentary films?
As a nation, we are living through unprecedented challenges. History is being written right before us. Documentary films have become one of the most powerful, and perhaps the only ways to communicate our culture, giving the world an almost real-time view of the realities of war. That is why we need the support of both Ukrainian and international audiences. This is our moment to be seen and heard.

Get ready to experience these remarkable films:
🎬A Century of Strength: Inspiring Generations — the story of the origins of the Ukrainian women’s movement in America, its century-long achievements, and the challenges of today.
🎬Little Angel — a heartfelt story of Daria Chaikovska, president of the Ukrainian Art Center (UAC), how she became her family’s talisman, and how they managed to escape the clutches of the Soviet army during World War II.
🎬Children in the Fire — a documentary with animation elements about Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia or injured by Russian missiles; the voice of a young generation that, despite horror, keeps faith in the future.
🎬Ukrainian Dance Movie — a professional Ukrainian dancer, whose career was upended by war, seeks new meaning by teaching at her father’s dance school in Hollywood.
🎬Timestamp — depicts the everyday lives of teachers and students during the war: classes held in bomb shelters, and experiences no child anywhere should ever endure.
🎬Black Raven — chilling testimonies of survivors and witnesses of the Holodomor genocide of 1932–33, orchestrated by Stalin.
🎬Mariupol. Survivors — heartbreaking stories of women who endured and survived the Russian occupation.
🎬Rule of Two Walls — explores the war in Ukraine through the eyes of artists who live and create under full-scale invasion.
🎬Freedom on Fire — continuing the story of the Oscar-nominated Winter on Fire, narrated by Helen Mirren, depicting the tragic events Ukrainians are living through during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
🎬Porcelain War — the story of three artists defending Ukraine not only with their art but also with weapons in hand.
🎬Match in a Haystack — follows Ukraine’s leading female contemporary dance troupe as they attempt to stage their first performance since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion.
🎬Music of Survival: The Story of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus — a film honoring the musicians who preserved Ukraine’s cultural voice through decades of exile.

Los Angeles, CA.jpg
Los Angeles, CA

The festival will conclude with HEROES UKRAINE, a life-affirming anthem — a Ukrainian cover of David Bowie’s legendary song, performed by Ukrainian singers.

Don’t miss this landmark film event!
You’ll have a unique opportunity to meet many of the directors and producers in person and take part in Q&A sessions.

Come and bring your friends — November 21–23, 2025!
See the full schedule and purchase tickets here.

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