Mishel Lades

The film tells the story of several volunteers, soldiers of the International Legion of the General Staff of the Unified Armed Forces, a unit called Ronin Team. During their service, the soldiers become true friends: they work, study and rest together. However, a time of trials for the courage and skills of the legionnaires comes. The hot summer months are not easy for them. And not all recruits can withstand the high pace of training and service. Meanwhile, troubling news of the Russian offensive comes from the front.

"Cities and Their Heroes" is a documentary almanac collection of six documentary stories of ordinary people and six cities of wartime Ukraine - Bashtanka, Ivankiv, Mykolaiv, Okhtyrka, Kharkiv and Chernihiv. Its about the phenomenon of ordinary Ukrainian heroism, when people in dark times find the strength to do good deeds, help others under bombings, during occupation and wartime attacks. The characters of the film - a bodyguard, a TV presenter, a puppet theater actress, a mayor of a small town, a restaurateur and a composer - not only had the strength to survive, but also found a new way in life and helped those around them.

Are dramatic events in Ukraine somehow affecting the life of these 11-year old cadets from Kyiv cadet corps? Are they already dreaming of a future military career? Do they manage to remain kids and enjoy their childhood despite the war in Ukraine? The authors of this film try to give an honest answer on these and other questions.

These are captured moments from the life of a Ukrainian industrial giant from the East, which no longer exists due to the Russian offensive. A story of heroic energy workers at the last operating power plant in eastern Ukraine, only 10 km from the frontline. Under constant shelling, they risk their lives to keep the lights on until the plant's destruction and forced evacuation, echoing historical parallels from 1941.

Documentary students are shooting a revealing film about the waste-dumping mafia. The local "Garbage Baron" understands that the film will show him in a bad light but it will also demonstrate his power and dominance on his territory.

A subtle glimpse in the every day life of kids in Borodyanka, Ukraine, one year after the Russian invasion. We follow 3 young boys, and get to know the intimate perspective of each. They are all very different but with a joint background of fear and pain. The public will get to see the strength of the Ukrainian spirit through the eyes of these kids. It will also reveal the real impact war had on children and most importantly the emotional consequences and damage it caused.

There is a widespread feeling in Ukrainian society that there are not enough changes after the Maidan. The radicalization of attitudes is most noticeable among young people who join various organizations. Some of them seek to fight oligarchs, corruption and become a powerful force. The "Nazhdak" organization is one of them.

Do you remember the moment when you suddenly realized that your parents are complete strangers to you?