‘Artists for Ukraine’ film festival in Palm Springs raising money, sharing culture this weekend
The three-day Artists for Ukraine film festival kicks off Friday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, hosting a showcase of Ukrainian films and exhibitions of Ukrainian art.
The festival is at the Palm Springs Cultural Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Some of the filmmakers escaped their homes in Ukraine just as the Russian invasion began.
Ukrainian film director Iryna Asonova has two shorts screening this weekend – she's one member of the group of filmmakers flown in for the weekend to raise money to send back home.
"We need all help from everyone from all over the world because we're fighting for a great purpose, for our home," Asonova said.
She and her young daughter escaped bombings in Kyiv.
"When we woke up hearing the explosions, I just threw her in the car and we drove 20 hours," she said.
All proceeds from the festival will provide aid to Ukrainian children displaced by war. 10 percent of all proceeds will be allocated to Ukrainian animals and animal shelters in need.
Filmmaker Polina Buchak helped to organize the festival in only about a month.
"I feel like this is my duty and my part in our victory – to bring people together, to share our stories, our films, and celebrate our culture that is currently getting destroyed back home," Buchak said.
She said the 12 films being shown span across a variety of genres, giving a glimpse into the depth of Ukrainian culture.
"I really hope that our audience and our guests hear our stories, see what our culture looks like, see what our people are all about," Buchak said.
Actor Omri Rose stars in the festival's closing film Egregor, which will make it's U.S. debut this weekend. He said he's heartbroken by the Russian forces' destruction.
"When you've been there, when the people there are people that you know, it's real," Rose said.
"Palm Springs, all around the world right now, we need to come together – unite our forces," Buchak said. "We can only win when we're united and together."
To buy tickets, donate or for more info – go to www.a4ua.art.
