The Ukrainian documentary film “Porcelain War” has been nominated for the most prestigious film award in the world – the “Oscar 2025”. The film, created by American director Brendan Bellomo and Kharkiv native Slava Leontiev, will compete for victory in the category “Best Feature-Length Documentary Film“.
This is the second consecutive year that Ukrainian filmmakers are competing for the golden statuette in this category. In 2024, the winner was the film “20 Days in Mariupol“, which also portrayed events in the war in Ukraine.
The challenging path of heroes to art during the war
The documentary film “Porcelain War” tells the story of three Kharkiv ceramic artist – Slava Leontiev, his wife Anna Stasenko, and their friend Andriy Stefanov. Their lives were forever changed by the full-scale war that began in February 2022.
The main heroes remained in Kharkiv, even when the city became one of the hottest spots of the conflict. But their fight against the enemy was unique. They used their art to create delicate porcelain products symbolizing beauty and resilience amidst the ruins and chaos of war.
Initially, the film was supposed to be completely different. The idea was to show the artists’ lives in peacetime, but the realities of war changed everything. “When Russia attacked, we realized that we had to tell a completely different story,” noted screenwriter Aniela Sidorowska. “We found out that Slava and his friends stay in Ukraine, engage in art, and at the same time help defend the city.”
Art as a weapon
The special significance of the film lies not only in showcasing the beauty of art but also in telling about its power as a means of resistance. Besides creating porcelain sculptures, Slava Leontiev actively helped Kharkiv in its defense.
“We are Kharkiv residents, we were born here. After the annexation of Crimea, we returned home, but war caught up with us here as well. This time I decided that I would fight. Since due to age and health reasons I could not be on the front lines, I trained others. This is my duty to my hometown,” Leontiev recounted.
When asked about the significance of awards, the director emphasized: “It is more important for us to convey the truth about the war to the international audience. Each viewing of the film, each review helps us share our story with the world.”
Premiere and the Path to the Oscars
The premiere of the film took place on January 20, 2024, at the “Sundance” film festival, where it immediately caught the attention of critics. Touching scenes showing the heroes creating delicate porcelain items amid ruins left no viewers indifferent.
The film received positive reviews for its honest and sensitive portrayal of how war changes people’s lives and their creativity. Now, the film has every chance to attract even more attention due to its nomination for the Oscars.
Why This Film Is Important for Ukraine and the World
“Porcelain War” is more than just a film. It is a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and a powerful cultural message. The film reminds the world that war is not just the front line. War is about fighting for one’s identity, culture, and the right to live.
Ukrainian cinema is increasingly attracting the attention of the global audience, becoming an important voice in the fight for freedom and truth. Being nominated for an “Oscar” is another proof that culture can be a powerful weapon in the confrontation with aggressors.
Final Note
Whether “The Painted Bird” will win the golden statuette remains to be seen. But already, this film has become a significant step in promoting Ukrainian art on the global stage. Regardless of the results, this movie is already a winner in the hearts of thousands of viewers.
