Screening: Sat, March 22, 2025 – 4:00 pm
Venue: Galaxy Cinemas, 72 Commerce Park Drive, Barrie
“This film doesn’t flinch from violence, but it finds hope in a people’s patient refusal to surrender who they are.” - Johanna Schneller, Globe and Mail
In the heart of war-torn Ukraine, Porcelain War tells an extraordinary tale of defiance through art that has captivated audiences worldwide, earning the coveted Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary. This powerful documentary follows three remarkable artists—Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey Stefanov—who choose to remain in their homeland as Russian forces advance. Armed with both weapons and their creative spirits, they transform the chaos of invasion into breathtaking porcelain masterpieces. While Slava trains civilians-turned-soldiers and Andrey documents their journey through his lens, Anya crafts delicate figurines that capture their dreams of peace amidst the sound of falling bombs. From the Academy Award-winning producer of The Cove and Emmy Award-winning producer of Chasing Ice comes this spellbinding testament to the unbreakable human spirit, proving that even in humanity's darkest moments, beauty and creativity can flourish. With 47 awards and counting, including audience awards at prestigious festivals, Porcelain War reveals how art becomes an act of resistance, and creativity becomes a weapon against fear.
Awards: 47 wins, 30 nominations
Nominated – Oscar, Best Documentary Feature, Academy Awards, 2025
Winner – Audience Choice Award, Best Documentary, Cinéfest Sudbury, 2024
Winner – ASSG Award, Australian Screen Sound Guild, 2024
Winner – Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival, 2024
Winner – GIO Audience Award, Honorable Mention, Sydney Film Festival, 2024
Winner – Golden Space Needle Award, Best Documentary, Seattle International Film Festival, 2024
Winner – DGA Award, Directors Guild of America, 2025