As the Cannes Film Festival opens today, a special screening of three documentaries on the war in Ukraine reaffirms the artistic and international community’s support for Ukraine’s resistance.
In the presence of Vadym Omelchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to France, this event highlights how vital international solidarity is for the Ukrainian people:
“We stand firm solely thanks to the Ukrainian spirit, the spirit of resistance. It is essential for us to know and feel that we are not alone in this fight against global evil.”
Introduced by Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, the three documentaries presented today each offer a powerful and unique perspective on the war in Ukraine and the resilience of its people:
Zelensky
In the presence of filmmakers Yves Jeuland, Lisa Vapné, and Ariane Chemin
(Airing tonight on ARTE)
This unprecedented portrait of the Ukrainian president traces his journey from childhood in the USSR to his rise in politics, through Maidan and the Russian war of aggression that began in 2014. The documentary blends archival footage and testimonies from Volodymyr Zelensky and those close to him, chronicling the extraordinary path of a man who became the face of Ukrainian resistance.
Our War
In the presence of filmmakers Bernard-Henri Lévy and Marc Roussel
The fourth documentary by Bernard-Henri Lévy on Ukraine, Our War was filmed between February and April 2025 on the frontlines in Pokrovsk and Sumy. It follows the soldiers of the Anne of Kyiv Brigade—armed by France—as well as civilians living under constant bombardment. For Lévy, what’s unfolding in Ukraine directly impacts the future of our children in France and Europe, and the kind of society they will live in.
2000 Meters from Andriivka
In the presence of filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov
Following his 2024 Academy Award win for 20 Days in Mariupol, Ukrainian director Mstyslav Chernov returns with a haunting new testimony. This film captures the advance of Ukrainian soldiers through two kilometers of scorched, mined forest as they fight to liberate the strategic village of Andriivka, occupied by Russian forces. A slow, perilous journey, where every meter is paid for with blood and lives.
Chernov shares the aim of his film:
“I want the world to remember that every meter, every inch of this land has been paid for with someone’s blood and life.”
Three years after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it is more crucial than ever that the international community remains mobilized. Military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine—as well as strong and consistent pressure on Russia—must continue relentlessly, for Europe’s future is also at stake.
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Don’t miss the documentary Zelensky by Yves Jeuland, Lisa Vapné, and Ariane Chemin, airing tonight at 9 PM on ARTE.
