Garrick's film screenings for local Ukrainian community

Lichfield Garrick Arts Charity has revealed the success of its Ukrainian film screenings, to support the Ukrainian community who have resettled locally.

The charity has firmly established itself as a place of community and culture where all are welcome, and so this initiative was something they were incredibly keen to explore. 

These special cinema screenings were made possible through the New Communities Resettlement Grant Scheme.

The films were dubbed in Ukrainian and provided as a free opportunity as a show of solidarity, as well as to provide a semblance of familiarity and ‘home’ for these members of the community. 

Director of development, Matt Clay, said: “We are very grateful to the New Communities Resettlement Fund for making it possible to show three Ukrainian language films for free to the community.

"It is very important to ensure as many local communities as possible feel welcome at the Garrick and are given ownership of the building."

Ihor Shpykuliak, an audience member who also helped promote the events to the Ukrainian community, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in organising the screenings for the Ukrainian community.

"The cinema was completely full, which suggests that a large number of Ukrainians were able to have a good time watching a film in their native language.

"Thank you for providing such impactful emotions to all Ukrainians; your efforts are truly appreciated."

Following the success of this initiative, the charity has announced it will be showing BAFTA award-winning film (Best Documentary), '20 Days in Mariupol' (audio in English), on Friday 22 March 2024 at 7pm.

The film, by Pulitzer prize-winning Ukrainian journalist, Mstyslav Chernov, follows an AP team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol amidst the Russian invasion.

The film is a harrowing but historically fundamental watch that will provide a true insight to UK audiences of the suppressed atrocities that have ensued during the Russian attacks, and continue to transpire today.

Iryna Komazova, a member of the community who suggested the film screening and is helping raise awareness, says: “The film is important to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine and to remind people that the war is not over”.

Tickets for 20 Days in Mariupol can be purchased via the Lichfield Garrick Box Office and website.