24.02.2022. The day when we UNITED
Film-Essay on the First Day of War
A film-essay about the first day of the war, depicted through archival footage and an exhibition at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. This exhibition is dedicated to the most tragic day of this century—a day that shattered illusions about global order and changed the lives of ALL Ukrainians forever: February 24, 2022.
The film showcases the exhibition through the eyes and commentary of its curator, who collected and presented all the key moments of that day. It offers a true immersion into the atmosphere and emotions of the first day of the full-scale war.
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Dmytro ChornyiDirector
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Olena KotovskaWriter
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Olena KotovskaProducer
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Project Title (Original Language):24.02.2022. The day when we UNITED
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:30 minutes
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Completion Date:October 10, 2024
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Ukraine
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Country of Filming:Ukraine
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Language:English, Ukrainian
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Shooting Format:Full HD
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Dmytro Chornyi - film director, producer, currently a serviceman of the Air Defense Forces. Ukrainian director, producer, and head of the SMART MOVIE film company. He is known for his dedication to preserving Ukraine's cultural heritage, even under the conditions of war. Dmytro actively works on both documentary and fiction projects, focusing on highlighting Ukraine's cultural aspects and historical events. His creative approach often combines documentary accuracy with artistic interpretation.
Filmography
"Izyum Unchained" (2024) – Documentary Film
Description: The story of a dangerous expedition to Izium, recently liberated from occupation.
Achievements: Participant in over 10 film festivals, recipient of the Heritage in Motion special award.
"24.02.2022. The day when we UNITED" (2024) – Documentary Tour Film
Description: A narrative about the first day of war through archival footage and a museum exhibition.
"Bakhmut: The Sorrowful Path" (2024) – Documentary Film
Description: A tour of an art exhibition symbolizing Bakhmut's resilience through creative expression.
"Ukrainian Vatican: A Non-Church Story about the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" (2024) – Documentary Series and Film
Description: An exploration of the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
"From Ukraine with Love" (2024) – Documentary Film
Description: A personal vision of the war through the experiences of Ukrainians during ongoing events.
"Oleh Tistol at the LAVRA Gallery: Television-Antique?" (2024) – Documentary Film
Description: A tour of the exhibition by one of Ukraine's most renowned artists.
"Life Ahead, Life Behind" (2024) – Fiction Short Film
Description: A psychological drama exploring the lives of characters in challenging circumstances.
"Last Raven' - producer
Dear Partners and Viewers,
In the face of the challenges our country is enduring, we at SMART MOVIE have chosen the path of preserving and promoting Ukraine's cultural heritage. War tests our resilience, but it is during such times that art can become the voice of a nation, reflecting our strength, pain, and unbreakable spirit.
Our projects are not just films; they are living testimonies of Ukraine’s fight for its identity, history, and future. We create works that tell the stories of our museums, artists, people, and cities standing on the frontlines of this struggle. Our mission is to preserve these stories for future generations and to bring them to the hearts of people around the world.
We invite you to join this noble endeavor — to support Ukrainian cinema that speaks the truth, gives hope, and honors our heritage. Together, we can contribute to preserving our culture and representing it with dignity on the global stage.
With respect and gratitude,
Dmytro Chornyi