FRAGILE AND EVERLASTING: INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS & CRAFT WITH THE TEAM FROM 'PORCELAIN WAR'

The Oscar®-nominated and Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning Porcelain War was one of 2024’s most celebrated and impactful documentaries. Set amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this cinematic and deeply humanist portrayal of Ukrainian artists turned citizen soldiers provided a new perspective and creative approach to frontline filmmaking. Produced by Australia’s own Songbird Studios and co-directed by Ukrainian artist Slava Leontyev and US director Brendan Bollomo, the session will explore the unique creative methods of this urgent cinematic work, which drew on international collaborations across continents and innovative covert filmmaking practice. Join this dynamic team as we delve into the artistic process and creative choices behind the film’s storytelling craft – including scene analyses that explore the extraordinary cinematography, animation, editing and musical composition – to render Porcelain War a cinematic work of excellence that has connected with audiences across the globe.

‘Cinematic essays take many forms: few are as fragile and contemplative as Porcelain War.’ – Screen Daily

MODERATOR: Natasha Gadd (AIDC)

SPEAKERS: Camilla Mazzaferro (Songbird Studio), Brendan Bollomo (Co-Director, Porcelain War, USA/Online) Slava Leontyev (Co-Director, Porcelain War, UKR/Online)

Photo Credit: Porcelain War (2024), Songbird Studios