5 Recent Ukrainian Films That Explore the Human Toll of Russia’s Aggression

Ukraine’s cultural vibrance has been on regular display in recent years via the country’s impressive output of ambitious filmmaking that explores the human toll of Russia’s military aggression.

Although futile in the face of falling bombs, such cinema offers a kaleidoscopic view into the lives and concerns of contemporary Ukrainians coping with the deadly hardships of Russia’s 2014 takeover of Crimea and near-constant warfare in the Donbas region.

The Hollywood Reporter selected five films that offer an opportunity for greater empathy and understanding of the conflict — as seen through the eyes of accomplished Ukrainian artists.