Welcome to the Cinema of Resilience Film Festival
FIRST UKRAINIAN DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES
The film festival’s mission is to bring audiences closer to the human
stories behind Ukraine’s struggle, celebrating the courage, resilience,
and creativity of those living through unimaginable challenges.
Through award-winning documentaries, it sheds light on how ordinary
Ukrainians face danger, persevere, and sustain hope, offering an
intimate window into their lives, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of
a nation. The festival seeks to inspire empathy, understanding, and
connection while honoring those who continue to fight, create, and
live with courage every day.
Selected Films – Cinema of Resilience 2025
RED CARPET GALA PREMIERE & RECEPTION
DAY 1 - November 21, 6.30pm-10.00pm _________________ Click on the Poster to watch the film TRAILER
The idea for the Ukrainian Film Festival originated with UNWLA Branch #111 in Los Angeles, and this year it proudly coincides with the organization’s
100th anniversary. This documentary short tells the story of UNWLA (Ukrainian National Women’s League of America), which began in 1925 when
five Ukrainian women’s associations in New York City and the surrounding areas united to form a central organization.
Directed by Mariia Mykhno & Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Produced by My Mary Production
LITTLE ANGEL
Little Angel is a heartfelt documentary about Daria Chaikovsky, the current Presidnt of the Ukrainian Art Center, who, at just five years old in 1945, fled with her family to escape the Soviet army during World War II in a desperate fight for survival. The film traces her childhood, her extraordinary resilience, and her journey to building a new life in the United States, where she has dedicated to advocating for Ukraine and preserving its culture.
Directed by Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
CHILDREN IN THE FIRE
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, over 20 thousand Ukrainian children have been abducted, forcibly adopted, or held captive to be re-educated as Russian patriots. In CHILDREN IN THE FIRE, Oscar-nominated director Evgeny Afineevsky returns to the streets where he filmed Winter on Fire to share the voices of young survivors.
The director Evgeny Afineevsky will attend the screening and take part in a live Q&A with the audience.
Documentary Screenings & Filmmaker Q&A
DAY 2 - November 22, 12.30pm-8.00pm _________________ Click on the Poster to watch the film TRAILER
UKRAINIAN DANCE MOVIE
After an audition goes awry, a professional Ukrainian-American folk dancer,
whose career was upended by war, tries to find a new sense of meaning by
teaching at her spirited father’s folk dancing school in Hollywood. With his
own major life change just around the corner, it is up to father and daughter
to decide if the legacy of the school will live on as they find the power to
perform one last dance.
Directed by Roxy Toporowych
TIMESTAMP
Winning screenwriter and director, Ms. Gormostai presents a mosaic of the everyday lives of teachers and students from corners of Ukraine, focusing on the everyday moments of school experience during the war. It is a powerful documentary about schools in Ukraine that persevere amidst the constant danger created by air attacks from Russia.
Directed by Kateryna Gornostai
BLACK RAVEN
Award-winning documentary filmed in Ukraine in 2008, produced in 2023,
featuring witnesses and survivors of the 1932-33 Holodomor-Genocide
perpetrated by Stalin against Ukraine and its people, with the intent to
destroy the Ukrainian people, their traditions, and culture. Ten million were
starved to death.
Directed by George Wyhinny
Produced by Luba Keske
MARIUPOL. SURVIVORS
This is an award-winning, compelling documentary feature that marks the
directorial debut of Mariia Mykhno. The poignant film captures the essence
of an unsettling refrain, where three resilient women at its core recount the
horrors of war as though they still bear witness to its haunting presence.
Directed by Mariia Mykhno & Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Produced by My Mary Production
RULE OF TWO WALLS
A raw, atmospheric portrait of today’s Ukraine is presented through the lens of the artists who have chosen to stay, navigating the jarring rhythms and surreal juxtapositions of life under the shadow of war. A young couple wakes to air raid sirens and has tea on their balcony. Neighborhoods lie in ruins, and the community comes together to sweep up broken glass.
Directored by David Gutnik
FREEDOM ON FIRE
FREEDOM ON FIRE: UKRAINE’S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM is a powerful
companion to the Oscar-nominated Winter on Fire. Featuring narration by
Helen Mirren, the film captures the human toll of Russia’s full-scale
invasion, following Ukrainians who flee and those who choose to stay.
Through intimate interviews and stark footage, it tells a sweeping story of
resilience and unity, challenging the world to stand against tyranny.
Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky
Documentary Screenings & Filmmaker Q&A
DAY 3 - November 23, 12.30pm-7.00pm _________________ Click on the Poster to watch the film TRAILER
PORCELAIN WAR
Porcelain War tells the story of three Ukrainian artists who remain in
their homeland during Russia’s invasion, defending their culture and
country through art, cameras, and, for the first time, weapons. Amid
relentless shelling, Anya expresses resistance through porcelain
figurines, Andrey documents their experiences while ensuring his
family’s safety, and Slava trains civilians to fight.
Directed by Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev
MATCH IN A HAYSTACK
Match in a Haystack follows eight members of Ukraine’s leading female
contemporary dance group as they navigate life and art during war. When
Russia invaded, some dancers turned to their craft for emotional release,
while others left to volunteer or fight. Over time, dance evolved from mere
expression to a symbol of resilience and identity.
Directed by Joe Hill
The story of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is one of courage and true grit, a
vivid chronicle that celebrates the human spirit. This is the triumphant story
of the original 17 members of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus who survived
World War II as a musical ensemble. The film brings out the deepest roots of
a fragile tradition, celebrating the resilience of a music culture that has
survived centuries.
Directed by Orest Sushko
Cinema of Resilience is a nonprofit cultural initiative. All proceeds support humanitarian and educational programs for Ukraine.
ORGANIZERS
FESTIVAL ORGANIZING TEAM
Luba Keske
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Luba Keske was born in Terebovlia, Ukraine, and built a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, serving as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Administration at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. A lifelong advocate for Ukrainian culture, she has led and supported numerous cultural and humanitarian initiatives through the Ukra
Luba Keske was born in Terebovlia, Ukraine, and built a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, serving as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Administration at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. A lifelong advocate for Ukrainian culture, she has led and supported numerous cultural and humanitarian initiatives through the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), the Ukrainian Art Center, and the Ukrainian Culture Center. As president of the Ukrainian National Association’s Los Angeles branch, she has championed projects supporting Ukraine and its people. Luba also serves as a supporter of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. She is the founder and driving force behind the First Ukrainian Documentary Film Festival in Los Angeles, uniting key community organizations to celebrate Ukraine’s resilience through film.
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva is a Ukrainian journalist, documentarian, and media producer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-director of the international documentary project Mariupol Survivors and the director of the upcoming film Little Angel.
As the founder of My Mary Production LLC, Bazdyrieva focuses on stories that reveal the human side of
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva is a Ukrainian journalist, documentarian, and media producer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-director of the international documentary project Mariupol Survivors and the director of the upcoming film Little Angel.
As the founder of My Mary Production LLC, Bazdyrieva focuses on stories that reveal the human side of war, resilience, and memory. Her works capture the strength and dignity of people living through extraordinary challenges.
Originally from Ukraine, Anastasiia began her career as a television journalist and editor, later expanding into filmmaking and cross-cultural media projects in Poland and the United States.
Her mission is to use film and storytelling to preserve truth, honor resilience, and give a voice to those whose stories must be remembered.
Valentyna Levytsky
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Valentyna Levytsky
Valentyna Levytsky was born in Ukraine and is a media professional with decades of experience in television and film production in Ukraine and the United States. She began her career at 1+1 Media, contributed to the development of national broadcasting, and later specialized in dubbing at Ledoyen Studio, translating and editing thousands
Valentyna Levytsky was born in Ukraine and is a media professional with decades of experience in television and film production in Ukraine and the United States. She began her career at 1+1 Media, contributed to the development of national broadcasting, and later specialized in dubbing at Ledoyen Studio, translating and editing thousands of hours of film and TV content.
After relocating to Los Angeles, Valentyna held key roles at Walt Disney Studios and Prime Video in localization and quality control. An active member of UNWLA Branch 111, the Holodomor Genocide Committee, and the Ukrainian Culture Center, she is dedicated to promoting Ukrainian cinema and culture. Valentyna now brings her global industry expertise to the First Ukrainian Film Festival in Los Angeles, helping shape its vision and connect Ukrainian films with international audiences.
Daria Chaikovsky
Anastasiia Bazdyrieva
Valentyna Levytsky
Daria Chaikovsky is the President of the Ukrainian Art Center in Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization that plays a vital role in promoting and preserving Ukrainian art and culture in the United States. Her mission extends beyond cultural programming; she is deeply committed to outreach to the community at large, connecting with local gov
Daria Chaikovsky is the President of the Ukrainian Art Center in Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization that plays a vital role in promoting and preserving Ukrainian art and culture in the United States. Her mission extends beyond cultural programming; she is deeply committed to outreach to the community at large, connecting with local government representatives, and most importantly, working towards the establishment of the Ukrainian Museum in Los Angeles. Through her leadership, the entire Art Center team has joined the mission of supporting and co-organizing the first Ukrainian Film Festival in Los Angeles. Daria also takes an active part in the festival’s creative vision and appears as the main subject of the documentary Little Angel (2025), which tells the powerful story of her childhood escape from Soviet forces in 1945 and her lifelong dedication to Ukraine and its cultural heritage.
Nataliya Rylchyk
Nataliya Rylchyk
Nataliya Rylchyk
Nataliya Rylchyk, a Ukrainian-born diplomat, lawyer, and community leader, has spent decades fostering stronger ties between Ukraine and the United States. She currently serves as President of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 111 in Los Angeles and as Vice President of the UNWLA Branch at Large West. In these challe
Nataliya Rylchyk, a Ukrainian-born diplomat, lawyer, and community leader, has spent decades fostering stronger ties between Ukraine and the United States. She currently serves as President of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 111 in Los Angeles and as Vice President of the UNWLA Branch at Large West. In these challenging times, she works to ensure Ukraine’s story is heard by presenting facts with clarity and highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people. She holds a deep belief that films and stories connect us across borders, awaken empathy, and build enduring friendships. Through this festival, her goal is to deepen understanding of Ukraine’s current struggle and encourage continued, long-term support for its future.
Taras Semchyshyn
Nataliya Rylchyk
Nataliya Rylchyk
Taras Semchyshyn is the President of the Ukrainian Culture Center in Los Angeles, where he leads initiatives to promote Ukrainian culture and strengthen community ties across Southern California. With an extensive background in the American film and entertainment industry — including positions at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Ente
Taras Semchyshyn is the President of the Ukrainian Culture Center in Los Angeles, where he leads initiatives to promote Ukrainian culture and strengthen community ties across Southern California. With an extensive background in the American film and entertainment industry — including positions at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, and SDI Media — he brings deep expertise in production management and creative collaboration.
Taras plays an active role in co-organizing the First Ukrainian Film Festival in Los Angeles, helping to unite the Ukrainian community and Hollywood professionals in a shared celebration of resilience and art.
Halyna Bond
Nataliya Rylchyk
Zorianna Kit
Halyna Bond serves as the Finance and Administrative Coordinator of the Ukrainian Art Center in Los Angeles, where she works closely with President Daria Chaikovsky in overseeing the organization’s operations and documentation. Known for her precision and reliability, Halyna manages financial records, reporting, and administrative process
Halyna Bond serves as the Finance and Administrative Coordinator of the Ukrainian Art Center in Los Angeles, where she works closely with President Daria Chaikovsky in overseeing the organization’s operations and documentation. Known for her precision and reliability, Halyna manages financial records, reporting, and administrative processes across the Ukrainian Art Center and other community initiatives.
She also plays an active role in the Ukrainian Cultural Center and contributes to the First Ukrainian Film Festival in Los Angeles as the Finance & Operations Coordinator, ensuring smooth organizational workflow and accountability.
Her professionalism, attention to detail, and deep commitment to community service make her an indispensable part of the festival team.
Zorianna Kit
Nataliya Rylchyk
Zorianna Kit
Zorianna is a Los Angeles–based entertainment professional with a background in journalism and broadcast news. As a member of the Critics Choice Association, she frequently moderates industry panels and Q&As. Zorianna is also a marketing and communications specialist in the visual effects and virtual production space. She is fluent in Ukr
Zorianna is a Los Angeles–based entertainment professional with a background in journalism and broadcast news. As a member of the Critics Choice Association, she frequently moderates industry panels and Q&As. Zorianna is also a marketing and communications specialist in the visual effects and virtual production space. She is fluent in Ukrainian, French, and English. For the inaugural Ukrainian Film Festival in Los Angeles, she is serving as the program's MC and moderator.
ORGANIZERS & PARTNERS
