Private Project

Generation Ukraine

In a world where youth is celebrated as the pinnacle of life's adventures, the young and vibrant Katia Henrikh, a youth worker from Chernivtsi, Ukraine, embarks on a journey that transcends borders and explores the profound question: What is home?

Nine months after fleeing her homeland in the face of the invasion, Katia returns to Ukraine, determined to understand the turmoil her fellow young Ukrainians are enduring. With unwavering courage, she traverses different regions of the war-torn country to reunite with old friends and piece together her personal puzzle of what "home" truly means.

As Katia's journey unfolds, it parallels the darkest days of Ukraine's history, marked by total blackouts that plunge the nation into obscurity. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, Katia discovers that it is during these moments that the human spirit shines brightest.

The film meticulously unveils the lives and experiences of its characters, peeling back layers one by one. At first glance, they appear strikingly different, but with time, the characters become familiar. The movie delves deeper into their backgrounds, childhoods, sources of joy, and areas of discomfort. This is the essence of what makes this film incredibly heartwarming. Each of these narratives brims with light, even as the characters grapple with exceptionally trying circumstances. We journey into the life of Stepan Lisovsky, a passionate photographer who draws inspiration from Ukrainian culture for his art; Olena and Maksym, a couple nestled in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, confronting the ravages of war in their unique way; and Sofia, unwavering in her joyfulness and daily routine, residing in Odessa, steadfastly holding onto her cherished way of life despite adversity.

"Generation Ukraine" is a testament to the resilience of the young Ukrainian generation, their unwavering bond with their homeland, and their determination to find light in the most challenging of times. This documentary reveals that even in the darkest hour, hope still flickers, and the dawn of a brighter future is on the horizon.

  • Roman Blazhan
    Director
  • Mykhailo Volkov
    Director
  • Roman Blazhan
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Society, Culture, Youth
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 8, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    55,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Ukraine
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany, Ukraine
  • Language:
    Ukrainian
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Roman Blazhan, Mykhailo Volkov

Roman Blazhan is a documentary film director and producer. Born in Donetsk, he first pursued a career in energy trading and finance. After the Russian-Ukrainian war started in 2014 he lost his home, became disillusioned with his career and decided to restart from scratch, finding passion in film.
Since 2015 Roman has been running Kyiv-based Minimal Movie (www.MinimalMovie.com) with focus on documentary film and documentary projects.

Since March 2022 Roman has been based in Germany.

Mikhail Volkov is a Director and DoP from Kyiv- based Minimal Movie , Ukraine. Born in 1994 in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi (Odesa Region, South Ukraine) he started his filmmaking career at the age of 16 and never stopped. Together with Roman Blazhan he founded Minimal Movie in 2015 and since then they have worked as a creative duo. Since 2023 Mikhail has been based in Warsaw.

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Director Statement

Roman:
Having lost my home twice, first in 2014 during the Russian occupation of Donbas and then again in 2022 with the onset of a full-scale invasion, I grappled for years with a profound sense of displacement and the quest to redefine my identity. Transforming the pain of losing a part of myself into a superpower, I discovered my refuge in filmmaking. This project is not just a choice; it's a manifestation of my journey—a visual testament to the resilience found in rebuilding one's identity.

Mykhailo:
As a filmmaker, my mission transcends mere storytelling; it's about forging connections among people. In a world marred by disarray and division, it's tempting to succumb to a critical lens that sees no light in the darkness. While I may not be able to change the world, I can offer stories that resonate, stories that reassure people that they are not alone. The division between those who left Ukraine and those who stayed extends beyond borders and customs; it's rooted in the diverse tapestry of human experience. Cinema, for me, is a potent tool—a means to construct bridges across these divides. This project is my heartfelt letter to the young generation thrust into situations for which no one could be adequately prepared.