The world premiere of the Ukrainian documentary "No Shadow in the Forest" directed by Volodymyr Tykhyi took place. The film was presented in the competition program of the International Wildlife Film Festival, which took place in the USA from April 18 to 23, 2026.
This was reported by ДержКіно України.
The film draws attention to one of the least covered aspects of the war — the environmental consequences of hostilities in Ukraine. At the center of the story is an eco-journalist who travels through war-affected territories to document the scale of ecocide in national parks. Her journey stretches from Chernobyl to the Black Sea, where she records the destruction of ecosystems and the impact on the environment.
The documentary emphasizes that war leaves its mark not only on cities and human lives, but also on nature — and these consequences may be felt for generations. At the same time, the filmmakers stress the importance of continuing the fight to preserve the environment even under the most difficult conditions.
In the film, the protagonist meets an environmental scientist and chiropterologist — a specialist in the study of bats — who continues working to protect nature despite the war. One of the key elements of the film is the recording of audio atmospheres from affected areas. By comparing these sounds with pre-war archives, the creators build a profound study that adds a new dimension to documenting war crimes — through the changing soundscape of nature itself.
The film was produced by PSB Films in collaboration with UPHub.
The International Wildlife Film Festival is one of the oldest and most respected festivals dedicated to wildlife and human interaction with the environment. Founded in 1977, it brings together creators exploring environmental challenges and conservation issues on a global scale.
Volodymyr Tykhyi is a well-known Ukrainian director, author, and co-producer of several notable film projects. His works “Assholes. Arabesques” and “Ukraine, Goodbye!” were featured at international film festivals, including the Berlinale, and received the Silver Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. He has also been nominated for the European Film Academy Award.
Among his other well-known films are “Green Jacket,” “The Gate,” and “Our Cats,” which have gained recognition both in Ukraine and internationally.
Selected filmography:
2025 – There Is No Shadow in the Forest
2025 – One Summer in Ukraine
2023 – Independence Day
2022 – Ukrainian Volunteer Day
2020 – Our Cats
The premiere of the film at an international festival marks an important step in bringing global attention to the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine. The filmmakers aim to highlight the issue of ecocide and the urgent need to restore natural resources that have suffered extensive destruction.
Photo:ДержКіно України, theukrainians.org
Author: Danylo Pievchev