In Washington, D.C., a series of Ukrainian film screenings titled “Passport to Ukraine” has launched as part of the JxJ: DC Jewish Film + Music Festival. The program opened at the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center with a screening of the documentary Second Wind, dedicated to Ukrainian soldiers.
The event is organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in the USAtogether with the organizations US Ukrainian Activists, United Help Ukraine and Nova Ukraine.
The JxJ series “Passport to Ukraine” began with the screening of the independent Ukrainian documentary Second Wind, which tells the story of five Ukrainian service members.
According to the organizers, the film by director Masha Kondakova follows four Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs during combat and a female sniper who was seriously wounded at the front. Despite their injuries, they embark on a symbolic expedition — climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Before the screening, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy and presenting Ukrainian stories to an international audience.
The opening event was also attended by representatives of the Ukrainian community in the United States and activists from the organization USUA Ukrainian American Activists. The organization’s president, Nadiia Shaporynska, thanked the festival organizers for supporting Ukrainian culture and providing an opportunity to showcase Ukrainian cinema in Washington.
In addition, the Counselor of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, Kateryna Smagliy, addressed the audience on behalf of the embassy, highlighting the importance of promoting Ukrainian cinema and cultural narratives among international audiences.
Throughout March, several more Ukrainian film screenings will take place in Washington as part of the “Passport to Ukraine” program.
In particular, on March 7-8, the audience was presented with the drama "SHTTL" directed by Adi Walker. The film was shot in one continuous shot in Yiddish. Its plot unfolds in a Jewish shtetl in Ukraine the day before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. After the screening, a meeting and conversation with the performer of the main role, Moshe Lobel, is planned.
The festival program will also feature the iconic film Man with a Movie Camera by Dziga Vertov, which will be shown on March 14–15. The screening will be accompanied by a live performance of the original musical score by The Anvil Orchestra.
At the end of March, on March 26 and 28, the festival will present a program of Ukrainian short films. The selection includes works that explore themes of family, memory, identity, and the resilience of Ukrainians during wartime.
Organizers emphasize that the “Passport to Ukraine” screening series aims to introduce American audiences to Ukrainian stories, culture, and contemporary cinema.
Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in the USA, US Ukrainian Activists
Author: Inna Mikhno