“Flowers Beyond the Dark”: A Special Film Screening and Evening of Cultural Diplomacy
We invite you to a special screening of the award-winning Ukrainian documentary, Flowers Beyond the Dark, directed by Kyiv-based filmmaker Iryna Pravylo. On February 24, the event marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In partnership with the Consul General of Ukraine in New York, the evening of cultural diplomacy will focus on the people of Ukraine and ways to take action to support them.
Details:
Scandinavia House, New York City
February 24 | 5:30 PM
Free with pre-registration (seating is limited)
About the Film
Flowers Beyond the Dark is a feature-length documentary that chronicles the first months of Russia’s invasion and reflects the collective memory formed in the Kyiv region during occupation and after its liberation in spring 2022.
Through intimate storytelling, the film follows civilians, artists, clergy, and soldiers as they navigate loss, moral choice, and survival. Rooted in the tradition of Ukrainian poetic cinema, the documentary offers a powerful witness account of events that must be remembered and understood.
The film was awarded Best International Feature Film at the Carmel International Film Festival (October 2025). It will be screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
Agenda
- Doors open: 5:30 PM
- Reception hosted by the Heart & Valor Foundation: 5:30–6:30 PM
- Film screening: 6:30–7:45 PM
- Panel discussion and Q&A: 7:55–8:30 PM
Panelists & Moderator
- Yulia Zi — Producer, Flowers Beyond the Dark
- Dr. Anastasiia Vlasenko — Harriman Institute, Columbia University
- Karla Webber — Director of Family Advocacy, The R.T. Weatherman Foundation; mother of a U.S. veteran killed in action in Ukraine
- Eli Zhadanov — Founder, Heart & Valor Foundation
- Jane Ferguson (moderator) – Award-winning journalist
