“VYR” is a 10 minute poetic short documentary exploring the ancestral power of creativity among Ukrainian artists in exile. Set in London, the film follows a theatre collective founded by a Ukrainian woman, Vyr, as its members engage in intimate conversations, folk rituals, and symbolic visual practices. Through circles, songs, and meditative gestures, the documentary reflects on how artistic energy becomes a refuge, a connection to cultural memory, and a source of resilience far from home. Combining lyrical observational cinematography with traditional lullabies, ambient sounds, and abstract visual motifs, VYR presents creativity as a living, ancestral force that unites generations and sustains identity in displacement.

Review by Andie Kay:

This beautiful short film centers around Victoria Mushtey who is the founder of the VYR Collective. This group of artists and creatives have built a community to support their projects and their passions. To listen to Victoria talk about VYR with such joy and enthusiasm, you cannot help but become as invested as she is in this wonderful group.

Directed by Ellada Liudohovskaia this film explores the impact of the war in Ukraine with some emotional interviews with the artists. As well as the sense of hope they felt finding this community. Cinematographer Panos Vlassas did such a stunning job. I loved the black and white segments with just hands creating images within flour and finally seeing the bread being shared by the group. Not to mention the dance performance was incredible.

The background music was perfectly chosen for this film. Plus the way it began with one of the members singing was incredibly moving, her vocals were stunning. This film is a must watch!