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Deep Dive: Photophobia (2023)

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Photophobia
Photophobia is a docudrama that portrays the daily life of a Ukrainian family living in the tunnels of the Kharkiv subway station. This setting serves as their refuge from Russian bombings during the ongoing invasion. The film captures the struggles and dynamics of family life under extreme circumstances, emphasizing the impact of war on civilians. Written and directed by Ivan Ostrochovský and Pavol Pekarčík, the film was shot in Ukraine and reflects the real-life experiences of those affected by the conflict. It premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it received the Europa Cinemas Label Award, and was selected as the Slovak entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

Why Watch

  • •See the life of a family in Kharkiv's subway tunnels.
  • •Meet the cast including Nikita Tyshchenko and Viktoriia Mats.
  • •Find out about the impact of war on daily life.

Did You Know

•Photophobia won the Youth Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the 22nd International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights.
•The film was shot in Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
•It premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023.

Perfect For

Ukrainian conflictSubway lifeDocumentary enthusiasts