An international film studio’s presentation
Izium: Diary of Occupation
CANNES, FRANCE, August 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Ukrainian short documentary Izium: Diary of Occupation, created by SMART MOVIE, made its debut at a special screening during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, leaving a lasting impression on the international crowd.
Held at the renowned Villa Domergue, the historic property owned by the City of Cannes that is known for hosting prestigious events during the festival, the screening drew significant attention.
This occasion emerged as a standout Ukrainian cultural moment at this year’s festival, drawing over 500 attendees that included global film industry professionals, members of France’s cinema community, officials representing the City of Cannes, members of the Ukrainian diaspora, and many other accredited festival participants.
As part of Museum Universe, a wide-ranging documentary endeavor from SMART MOVIE production studio, Izium: Diary of Occupation contributes to a long-term initiative focused on Ukraine’s museums, artistic legacy, cultural organizations, museum staff, historians, and cultural personalities. These individuals continue their work to protect the nation’s identity and historical memory amid the continuing full-scale war. Presently, Museum Universe functions as a vital component of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy, conveying the country’s authentic narrative to viewers worldwide through the medium of film.
Under the direction of Dmytro Chornyi, the film showcases his signature cinematic style, which he calls the “film-excursion.” This method allows viewers to experience the story from a first-person viewpoint rather than watching from a distance, fostering a remarkable feeling of closeness and emotional engagement. This creative narrative technique departs from standard documentary approaches, turning every showing into an intimate encounter.
The second installment in a documentary trilogy centered on the city of Izium, this film follows Izium Liberated and precedes Izium. Destroyed Churches. The creators describe this series as a “time capsule,” designed to capture the memory of one of the most sorrowful periods of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and to preserve genuine accounts for future generations. Through film, the trilogy recounts the story of Ukraine, including its people, cultural heritage, and the enduring strength that characterizes the nation.
For SMART MOVIE production studio, having the film showcased at the Cannes Film Festival represents a notable achievement in the project’s global progression. The favorable reception from industry insiders underscores the increasing worldwide fascination with Ukrainian documentaries and paves the way for the studio’s upcoming projects to be considered for official lineups at prominent international film festivals, such as Cannes.
SMART MOVIE continues to dedicate itself to creating films that delve into Ukraine’s history, culture, and present-day circumstances, leveraging cinema as a potent vehicle for preserving recollections, encouraging cross-cultural exchange, and providing audiences across the globe with a genuine comprehension of the events influencing the nation today.
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