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Note of Defiance

Filmed in early 2023, on the Ukrainian-Russian border, this short documentary explores two artists' use of their creativity and art as a means of cultural survival and defiance.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine; attacks on civilian centres have forced cultural sites to close. The Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the biggest cultural sites in the city forced to close due to these attacks.

Two inspiring artists move continue to provide concerts and lessons anywhere they can; from parking garages to bomb shelters.

Through powerful interviews, we learn of the unique challenges artists have faced during this conflict. From censorship and persecution, to displacement and trauma. The film concludes with emotional performance, where two disciplines of violin and dance are brought together in the theatre for the first time in nearly a year.

  • Brian Henderson
    Director
  • Brian Henderson
    Writer
  • Dan Borrelli
    Writer
  • Brian Henderson
    Producer
  • Dan Borrelli
    Producer
  • Holly Adams
    Producer
  • Meredith Rodriguez
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    90,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Ukraine
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Rhode Island International Film Festival
    Providence, Rhode Island
    United States
    August 7, 2023
    World Premiere
    Grand Prize- Best Short Documentary
  • Flickerfest International Short Film Festival
    Bondi Beach, Sydney
    Australia
    January 21, 2024
    Australian Premier
    Official Selection
  • Thomas Edison Film Festival
    Hoboken
    United States
    Jury’s Citation Award
  • Spotlight Documentary Film Awards
    Atlanta
    United States
    Gold Award
  • Sedona Film Festival
    Sedona
    United States
    February 28, 2024
    Official Selection
  • International Film Festival The Hague
    The Hague
    Netherlands
    November 12, 2023
    Best Documentary - Runner-Up Award
  • Canada Shorts - Canadian & International Short Film Fest
    Vancouver
    Canada
    Finalist
  • International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences

    Silver Anthem Winner in Film, Video, Television or Show
Distribution Information
  • Mercury Studios
    Distributor
    Country: United Kingdom
Director Biography - Brian Henderson

Brian Henderson, an accomplished filmmaker from Green Bay, WI, discovered his passion for visual storytelling at Columbia College Chicago. For over a decade, he showcased his exceptional talent as a cinematographer, crafting poignant moments and compelling narratives in commercial and documentary projects.

In 2017, Brian's remarkable work earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Journalism for “The Dictator's Team," a gripping portrayal of the Syrian National Soccer team's struggles under the oppressive Assad regime.

RIIFF featured his narrative short "Away From It All" in 2021, but now the festival eagerly presents his directorial debut, "Note of Defiance," a documentary short.

Brian's artistry goes beyond filmmaking, as he collaborated with non-profits like Build a City, Loss 2 Life, Rainforest Trust, and Mission Kharkiv, using his craft to shed light on vital social and environmental issues, reflecting his commitment to making a positive global impact.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I knew on February 24th, 2022, that what I was witnessing in Ukraine would likely be the most important historical event of my generation.

The desire to help was overwhelming.

As we set out to tell a unique story, it was important for us to maximize social impact, not only through the film we wanted to make, but through all phases of production.

We hired a local NGO, Alex21, to provide transportation, lodging and translation services so that every dollar we spent would go back to helping those most impacted by the war.

We committed three days from our shooting schedule to make promotional materials for a non-profit, Mission Kharkiv, which provides life-saving chronic medication to civilians in frontline villages.

Outside of our small team from the UK and US, each of whom donated their time and resources, everyone we employed was Ukrainian, many of them from Kharkiv.

Note of Defiance features exclusively Ukrainian and Russian-speaking locals who have called Kharkiv home for generations and gives a platform for the language, culture, and art of the city.

It’s a privilege to have a platform to make films, and I’m honored to use it to amplify the voices of others. There are many who have been living this reality for over a year, giving more than I could ever imagine. To have them open their lives up to us and allow us the opportunity to show the world their stories was humbling to say the least.

What we made here was truly special and I can’t wait for the world to see it.

- BRIAN HENDERSON
Director, Note of Defiance