Abstract

For ten years, the University of Cambridge has showcased the best of Ukrainian cinema from its beginnings to the present day at the Annual Cambridge Festival of Ukrainian Film.

Admission is free, but seating is limited and online registration is required. Click HERE to register for tickets.

The films are in the Ukrainian and Russian languages with English subtitles.

Here Together 2013 / dir. Svitlana Shymko / 10 mins

Shymko’s documentary short follows a talented mother and daughter living in Portugal, where Ukrainians make up one of the largest immigrant communities in the country. Their integration into Portuguese society is a difficult experience. Their story is emblematic of many others of giving up on promising careers Numerous Ukrainians with university diplomas and high professional qualifications need to give up on the career, as they can occupy only low-skilled jobs.

Dixieland 2015 / dir. Roman Bondarchuk / 52 mins

Little kids, big dreams, great music: Dixieland follows four members of a Ukrainian children’s brass band from Kherson: Roman (12, trumpet), Polina (10, trombone, drums), Nikita (12, drums), and Nikita (14, piano). Using old instruments and practicing under challenging conditions, they use their wit and good humour to persevere together and play energetic American tunes under the direction of their elderly conductor and a younger teacher. Roman Bondarchuk’s uplifting documentary is a follow-up to his festival hit Ukrainian Sherrifs.

Wine reception to follow the screenings.