Ukrainian Artists Defy War: Discover How They Use Art to Share Their Story with the World
In the face of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian artists create a powerful film to share their resilience and culture with the world, showcasing their unique journey.
Ukraine, Art, Porcelain War, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, Andrey Stefanov, Film
Toronto: A new film called Porcelain War is making waves. It follows three Ukrainian artists during the chaos of Russia’s invasion. Directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, the film captures their struggle to defend their culture through art.
Leontyev, who is also a member of Ukraine’s special forces, along with his partner Anya Stasenko and friend Andrey Stefanov, share their story of resilience. They create stunning figurines that symbolize hope while documenting their experiences in a war zone.
Before the invasion, Bellomo connected with Leontyev through a producer who had a personal history tied to Poland. When the war began, Bellomo reached out to check on Leontyev. To his surprise, Leontyev revealed he was training civilians to fight while continuing to create art at night.
Bellomo and his team wanted to help tell their story. They faced challenges getting equipment into Ukraine, but a group of volunteers stepped up. A hairdresser from New Jersey even offered to carry a camera along with medical supplies.
Once the camera arrived, they had to overcome language barriers. They set up Zoom calls with interpreters to teach Leontyev and Stefanov how to film. It was a unique experience, blending their artistic instincts with the art of filmmaking.
They were careful with the footage to protect the artists’ safety. The filmmakers wanted to show the human side of the war, capturing the beauty and resilience of life amidst destruction. They sent more equipment as the artists continued to film their lives.
The film balances art and the harsh realities of war. The filmmakers worked with an animation studio to incorporate 7,000 hand-drawn frames based on Anya’s work. This blend of animation and real-life footage creates a powerful contrast.
Leontyev filmed everything with urgency, knowing each moment could be his last. He wanted to preserve the beauty of his culture and the lives of his friends and family.
Throughout this process, the filmmakers felt a strong responsibility to share the artists’ story. They highlighted the importance of preserving Ukrainian art, especially as Russian forces targeted cultural institutions.
In the film, the score features music from DakhaBrakha, a Ukrainian band that embodies the spirit of resilience. The film itself becomes a cultural artifact, showcasing the artists’ ongoing fight for their identity and creativity.