Porcelain War

As the Russia-Ukraine war rages mere miles away, Kharkiv-based husband-and-wife team Slava Leontyev and Anya Stasenko make tiny porcelain figurines. What does it mean to continue with their artistic passions as the world crumbles around them? Winner of the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2024.Winner of the U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, PORCELAIN WAR documents Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine through the experiences of three Ukrainian artists and collaborators: Slava, Anya, and Andrey. At the outbreak of Russia’s attacks, the three are among those who choose to stay and fight—not only in arming themselves, but also in using their porcelain artwork as defiance against oppression. Juxtaposing the beauty of the natural Ukrainian landscape with the devastation by the blasts, their work becomes a representation of the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit and a statement that their people will not be erased. Stunningly filmed almost entirely by the film’s subjects and aided by moments of unexpected animation, this is a can’t-miss documentary. —C.F.Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.GUEST(S) IN ATTENDANCE