SUNDAY | 6:00pm

TRIBUTE TO PICASSO

George Gittoes, Director & Writer | Music by Hellen Rose

87 min | 2022 | Australia | Boston Premiere

Ukrainistan Artist War is about artists waging a war on war in the context of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Afghanistan after the withdrawal of foreign forces. It is an anti-war film in the tradition of Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ and Jon and Yoko’s ‘War is Over’. Australian's George Gittoes and Hellen Rose travel to Ukraine in the first weeks of the war to collaborate with Ukrainian artists. They process the destruction they witness into art over 2022 and into 2023. The bombed and gutted House of Culture in Irpin Ukraine is brought back to life with exhibitions and performances as proof the artistic spirit cannot be destroyed. Locals who have lost their homes and loved ones in Irpin join with the artists forming a creative and optimistic community. Dual projects are completed at the destroyed House of Culture in Irpin Ukraine and at the Yellow House Art School in Jalalabad. This film is filled with the optimism that humanity can end violent conflict and embrace peace through creativity.

Director’s Statement: "It is always important to push the boundaries of the Documentary medium - but in this film, it was more important than ever as the film starts with Picasso’s Guernica, I was challenged to find the means to, ‘scream out’ a new anti-war message, for a time when we all know, war should be over."

Awards: Best EDDocumentary in the Oniros Awards, NY/USA.

Screenings: World Premiere ~ Melbourne Int’l FF, Australia; Screenwave Int’l FF, Australia; Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia; Bridge of Peace FF, Paris, France; Salem FF, MA.

Q&A w/George Gittoes & Hellen Rose

Screening with Wood