“Today, it is crucial that Ukraine’s story be told through the experiences of individuals. Ukraine is made up of courageous people who are fighting for the future of the entire democratic world. These heroes need a voice—one that will resonate across every continent,” emphasized Oleksandr Butsenko, Director of the Development Centre Democracy through Culture, during the screening and discussion of the documentary It’s Just My Happy Place in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
The short documentary It’s Just My Happy Place follows the journey of 25-year-old Yaroslav, who emigrated from Bila Tserkva to the United States with his family at the age of five. Growing up in the diverse but challenging environment of New York, he strives to preserve his Ukrainian identity. Feeling a deep sense of responsibility toward his homeland, Yaroslav becomes an activist, tirelessly advocating for Ukraine. For two and a half years, he has actively participated in protests, drawing global attention to Russia’s invasion. His story is not just one of personal struggle—it reflects the path of many who seek their own strength in difficult times.
“This is a short film with a long and profound story behind it. It’s about a person who feels the turbulence around them, asks many questions, and makes a difficult personal choice,” said Liubava Petriv, the film’s author and director.
The film has already become a powerful international symbol of solidarity, resonating with audiences across the world—from the U.S. and Europe, with Asia next in line.
Another key topic of the evening was the unique nature of war-related films. In the first year or two of the full-scale invasion, simply mentioning Ukraine was enough to capture an audience’s attention. But now, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian experience. These narratives connect with people on a much deeper level, making their impact even stronger.
Additionally, Polina Buchak, director of Razom Cinema in New York, emphasized the importance of showing that life goes on despite the war—because this is about the resilience of Ukrainians, a nation that continues to move forward no matter what.
“It wasn’t our Eurovision victories or our achievements that made the world notice us. Only now—through war and our unity—are we truly revealing ourselves to the world and rediscovering who we are,” said Ihor Rozkladai, a leading expert in media law and social media content moderation at the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law.
The discussion took place as part of the “Ukrainian Media Center New York/Kyiv” project.