Two Ukrainian Films to Screen at Venice Film Festival

Two Ukrainian films will participate in the Venice Film Festival, which starts on August 28.

Olha Zhurba's documentary "Songs of a Land Slowly Burning" will be shown out of competition, and Zhanna Ozirna's feature film debut "Honeymoon" will be part of the Biennale College Films program.

This was announced on the official Biennale website.

"Songs of a Land Slowly Burning" portrays life in Ukraine during the first two years of full-scale invasion. The film documents the societal changes as Ukraine moves from the initial panic of war's onset to accepting death and devastation, which eventually become a tragic norm for Ukrainians.

"Participating in the Venice festival opens the path to a broader audience; more people will see the film, and we can convey uncompromising messages about war and Russian terror. The film is crafted to evoke emotions in the audience," the director explained.

This film marks Olha Zhurba's second full-length documentary. Her debut film, "The Earth Is Blue as an Orange," was recognized for its human rights themes at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival.

Zhanna Ozirna's "Honeymoon" revolves around newlyweds Taras (Roman Lutskyi) and Olya (Iryna Nirsha), who spend their honeymoon in their new apartment. They are more captivated by each other than by the troubling news. However, on the dawn of February 24, the couple wakes up to explosions outside their window.

Director Zhanna Ozirna, a participant in Berlinale Talents 2020, is renowned for her short films "Encounter," "Grace," and "Adult." The screenplay for "Honeymoon" was co-written with Philip Sotnychenko, director of "La Paliciada," acclaimed by Ukrainian film critics as the best film of the year.

At the same time, the program includes the film "Russians at War" by Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova. The film is considered a co-production of France and Canada.

The festival will run from August 28 to September 7.