The Ukrainian Armed Forces became real heroes on the red carpet at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The world-famous U2 frontman Bono presented his documentary Stories of Surrender next to them, drawing attention to Ukraine's struggle. They were also supported by U2 guitarist The Edge and Sean Penn, a loyal friend of Ukraine. Their appearance with world stars on the red carpet was a powerful gesture of solidarity with those who sacrificed their health for freedom.
This was reported by press service "Культурні сили”.
During the special screening, the film received a seven-minute standing ovation after the premiere. The film combines Bono's personal memories, familiar U2 songs, and exclusive footage from the chamber show at the Beacon Theater. Afterward, Bono addressed the audience with gratitude and words of support:
"You are defending our freedom. Thank you! Glory to Ukraine!"
During his speech, the singer also recounted the festival's history as an act of cultural resistance:
"In 1939, with the outbreak of war, the Venice Film Festival ceased to exist — it was seized by Mussolini and his friend Goebbels. In response, the Cannes Film Festival was created as an act of resistance to fascism.
Although the festival didn't begin until 1946, the spirit of resistance and commitment to freedom still lives on.
Tonight, Sean Penn has brought some very special guests with him—real people from the front lines in Ukraine. They are called the Cultural Troopers. I just want to say thank you. You are fighting for our freedom. Merci. Glory to Ukraine!"
The Ukrainian delegation included legendary fighters and artists who each shared their stories of struggle.
- Kolya Serha: Singer and co-founder of the Cultural Landing.
- Taras Stolyar is a bandura player and UAV operator. He fought for Ukraine in the Donbas and the Kharkiv sector.
- Yuriy Ivaskevych is an opera singer and a Ukrainian Armed Forces fighter. He lost his leg fighting the occupiers in the Zaporizhzhia sector.
- Olha Rukavyshnykova is a violinist, conductor, and scout. Olha was wounded five times in battles for Ukraine. In May 2023, she lost an eye on the front lines.
- Valeriy Shyrokov is a mortar gunner in the Territorial Defense Forces (TRO) and a press attaché of the Cultural Forces.
- Artem Poznansky is a soldier in the 59th Brigade and a cameraman for the Cultural Forces.
After the official part of the program, the soldiers impressed the guests with performances of Ukrainian songs and even Italian opera. This demonstrated that cultural diplomacy can be as powerful as speeches delivered on stage.
"Bono's gesture was more than symbolic. By standing with Ukrainian soldiers on one of the world's most prominent cultural stages, he supported Cannes's fundamental spirit of resistance to tyranny and solidarity with those who choose freedom," the Cultural Forces noted.
Author: Danylo Pievchev