Launched in 2023, Razom Cinema is a program that brings people together into a community that is socially, emotionally, and creatively engaged with Ukraine through film. It is part of a cohort of initiatives within Razom for Ukraine that provides platforms to showcase what Ukraine has to offer to the world. Razom Cinema creates spaces for audiences to immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture, while understanding its history and modern identity. We build relationships with film festivals, distributors, producers, and industry overall. Get to know how the program amplifies and encourages the inclusion of Ukrainian films in international festivals and institutions as well as how to best connect with American audiences. 

Razom Cinema will share case studies of how strategic partnerships can elevate Ukrainian cinema across the United States. From bringing 20 Days in Mariupol to over 50 university campuses in 23 states, to supporting Oscar campaigns of films like Porcelain War, we’ll showcase the many ways Razom collaborates with filmmakers to spark dialogue, drive impact, and reach new audiences. The session will also offer insights on the film festival landscape in the U.S. while highlighting opportunities, challenges, and tactical ways Ukrainian filmmakers can amplify their presence on the global stage.

Participants:

Polina Buchak – an award-winning New York-based filmmaker who focuses on diverse and inclusive storytelling by blending new technologies into traditional mediums. She was born in Ukraine and raised in Nigeria.

Polina Buchak is the Head of Razom Cinema and Impact Producer at Razom for Ukraine, a NYC-based non-profit, leading their film program that continues shining light on Ukrainian storytelling and filmmakers in the US. Most recently, she directed a short animation Sunflower Field that explores how the child psyche is impacted during war – which had its World Premiere at Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival and won Best Short Animation at Woodstock Film Festival. She was an Associate Producer for Aggie (Sundance 2020), directed and produced by Emmy-nominated Catherine Gund, a documentary which explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes Gund’s life. 

Polina has produced a number of short films that were screened at Woodstock Film Festival, Urbanworld Film Festival, DOC NYC, and more. As a Producer/Director at honto88, Polina has worked with brands like David Yurman, Netflix, The Meteor, and others. Polina holds a BFA in Film & TV from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in Integrated Digital Media.