1/27/25, 5:00 PM
Focus on Ukraine: Three films and post-film discussion - March 5, 2025
Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation that delves into the human impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine. We will feature two thought-provoking films, followed by a panel discussion with key experts and special guests.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 5th 3:30–9:00 PM
WHERE: Landmark's E Street Cinema
555 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20004
Program
3:30–3:45 PM Welcome
3:45–4:05 PM short film: Mine (Moja) 17 min
4:05–5:45 PM Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry) 92 min
with VIP guest, film director Łukasz Karwowski
In Two Sisters, this gripping drama follows two estranged half-sisters as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue their father, severely injured in the war. As they cross the front lines near Kharkiv, they find themselves in Russian-occupied territory, where the harsh realities of war force them to confront not only their father but also their own fractured relationship. The film’s poignant narrative explores the emotional cost of conflict and the rediscovery of family amidst unimaginable hardship.
5:45–6:15 PM Break
6:15–8:20 PM People (Ludzie) 119 minutes
Introduction by JP Schutte, former Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (2017-2019)
People, directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland, tells the story of five women from different generations, each facing the brutalities of the war in Ukraine. As their lives intertwine, the film explores themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Through their personal battles, the film brings to light the untold stories of those who fight not on the battlefield, but in the daily struggle for survival. This film, produced by the Warsaw School of Film, offers a raw and immersive portrayal of the war’s devastating impact.
8:15 PM Post-film discussion featuring:
Łukasz Karwowski, director of Two Sisters
Vladyslav Deva, 1st AD (assistant director) of People
Artur Zaborski, journalist and executive producer of People
With special participation of:
Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the EU in Washington DC
Denys Sienik, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC
Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament
Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, World Bank, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).
This discussion will provide insights into the filmmakers' vision as well as the broader political and human rights issues surrounding the war, offering a deeper understanding of the situation in Ukraine from both a local and international perspective.
This event is organized in special collaboration with the Liaison Office of European Parliament in Washington DC and RAZOM for Ukraine.
1/27/25, 5:00 PM
Focus on Ukraine: Three films and post-film discussion - March 5, 2025
1/27/25, 5:00 PM
Focus on Ukraine: Three films and post-film discussion - March 5, 2025
Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation that delves into the human impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine. We will feature two thought-provoking films, followed by a panel discussion with key experts and special guests.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 5th 3:30–9:00 PM
WHERE: Landmark's E Street Cinema
555 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20004
Program
3:30–3:45 PM Welcome
3:45–4:05 PM short film: Mine (Moja) 17 min
4:05–5:45 PM Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry) 92 min
with VIP guest, film director Łukasz Karwowski
In Two Sisters, this gripping drama follows two estranged half-sisters as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue their father, severely injured in the war. As they cross the front lines near Kharkiv, they find themselves in Russian-occupied territory, where the harsh realities of war force them to confront not only their father but also their own fractured relationship. The film’s poignant narrative explores the emotional cost of conflict and the rediscovery of family amidst unimaginable hardship.
5:45–6:15 PM Break
6:15–8:20 PM People (Ludzie) 119 minutes
Introduction by JP Schutte, former Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (2017-2019)
People, directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland, tells the story of five women from different generations, each facing the brutalities of the war in Ukraine. As their lives intertwine, the film explores themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Through their personal battles, the film brings to light the untold stories of those who fight not on the battlefield, but in the daily struggle for survival. This film, produced by the Warsaw School of Film, offers a raw and immersive portrayal of the war’s devastating impact.
8:15 PM Post-film discussion featuring:
Łukasz Karwowski, director of Two Sisters
Vladyslav Deva, 1st AD (assistant director) of People
Artur Zaborski, journalist and executive producer of People
With special participation of:
Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the EU in Washington DC
Denys Sienik, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC
Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament
Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, World Bank, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).
This discussion will provide insights into the filmmakers' vision as well as the broader political and human rights issues surrounding the war, offering a deeper understanding of the situation in Ukraine from both a local and international perspective.
This event is organized in special collaboration with the Liaison Office of European Parliament in Washington DC and RAZOM for Ukraine.
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Actress Paulina Pytlak at the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival!
We are thrilled to announce that one of the most promising Polish actresses and the leading star of the film Feast of Fire, Paulina Pytlak, will join us at the Washington DC Polish Film Festival (May 10-12). She will participate in the Q&A session before the movie and meet with festival audiences.
