A new, award-winning film, “Porcelain War” follows a Ukrainian Special Forces veteran and his wife’s effort to defend their culture and their country.
Slava Leontyev, a veteran of the Ukrainian Special Forces, brings a unique perspective to the poignant documentary. With a background rooted in military service and a passion for art, Leontyev was inspired to co-direct this film after witnessing the devastating effects of Russia’s invasion on his homeland. The film follows Leontyev, his partner Anya Stasenko, and their friend, painter Andrey Stefanov, as they navigate the harrowing realities of life during wartime. It documents a year in their lives, capturing both the idyllic beauty of Ukraine’s landscapes and the stark devastation wrought by conflict. The contrasting imagery serves as a powerful reminder of what is at stake—both the loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
Leontyev shared, “Ukraine is like porcelain, easy to break yet impossible to destroy.”
This sentiment encapsulates the heart of ‘Porcelain War’, as it delves into the fragility and strength of a nation under siege. Picturehouse unveiled the official trailer for ‘Porcelain War’, which has already made waves in the film festival circuit, garnering over 30 honors, including U.S. Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Set to hit theaters starting November 22, this powerful film offers a unique lens on the struggles of artists amid the backdrop of conflict in Ukraine.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
Here’s the official Synopsis:
“Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko and Andrey Stefanov choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras and, for the first time in their lives, their guns. Despite daily shelling, Anya finds resistance and purpose in her art, Andrey takes the dangerous journey to get his young family to safety abroad, and Slava becomes a weapons instructor for ordinary people who have become unlikely soldiers. As the war intensifies, Andrey picks up his camera to film their story, and on tiny porcelain figurines, Anya and Slava capture their idyllic past, uncertain present and hope for the future.”
Co-directed by Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo, with extraordinary footage from first-time cinematographer Stefanov, Porcelain War embodies the passion and fight, that only an artist can put back into the world when it’s crumbling around them.” The film, which critics have declared, “masterfully illustrates the enduring power of art in the face of adversity” – will open in theaters, beginning on Nov. 22 in New York at the IFC Center, on Nov. 29 in Los Angeles at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center, followed by a roll-out across North America.
For more updates on ‘Porcelain War,’ follow:
Website: PorcelainWar.com
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