Synopsis
Ruslan Kurt, a Ukrainian activist and contemporary artist from Melitopol whose main focuses are the concepts of time and connection, relocated to Canada after the full invasion by Russia in February 2022. In an attempt to illustrate the tragedies faced by millions of Ukrainians and wanting to affirm the catastrophe, he begins to bring evidence of the physical destruction to North America.
His ultimate goal is to bring 25 damaged and destroyed doors, symbolizing the 25 Ukrainian Oblasts (regions). As an emblem of the full reunification, the cumulative 25 doors are more than a representation or a symbol for Ruslan - they reflect the complete version of his installation.
This film brings stark awareness to the lives of the people who lived behind these doors, while illuminating the hardships of maintaining prolonged media attention and financial support in this ever-in-conflict world.
Watch Trailer
Advocacy Events & Screenings
Panama - Museum of the Panama Canal
As part of an advocacy trip to Panama, organized by members of the local Ukrainian Diaspora, the European Union Embassy in Panama & the Embassy of Ukraine in Mexico, a special preview screening of the film was presented as part of the Semana de Cine Europeo at the Panama Canal Museum. Present were Izabela Matusz, Ambassador of the European Union to Panama, Fabrizio Nicoletti, Italian Ambassador to Panama, as well as Lesia Miliutenko, Cultural Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine to Mexico, as well as other diplomats, counsellors, cultural ambassadors & community members.
The trip included a meeting at the Embassy of Canada in Panama with Second Secretary André Robitaille & Political Officer Dieter Ploeger & a meeting with Panamanian Vice-Minister of Culture Arianne Benedetti.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Ukrainian Diaspora in Panama, the Embassy of the European Union in Panama, the Embassy of Ukraine to Mexico, Canada-Ukraine Foundation & Aid for Artists for making this trip possible and for their thoughtful planning of these preview events.
Mexico - Embassy of Canada
A private screening event was presented in the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, and co-hosted by Graeme C. Clark, Ambassador of Canada to Mexico, Oksana Dramaretska, Ambassador of Ukraine to Mexico and Canadian Defence Attaché, Colonel Alain Veilleux. The screening was introduced by Gabriel Frappier Counsellor for Public Affairs, Education and Culture at the Embassy of Canada in Mexico, and Valeriy Kostyuk, Executive Director of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. In attendance were Ambassadors, Diplomats, Ministers, Defence Attachés and Counsellors from over 12 countries.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the teams at the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, the Embassy of Ukraine to Mexico, Canada-Ukraine Foundation & Aid for Artists for making this trip possible and for their thoughtful planning of these preview events.
Mexico - Universidad de las Américas Puebla
As part of an advocacy trip to Mexico, organized by Global Affairs Canada, a preview screening of the film was presented to students and faculty at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla in Puebla, followed by a conversation hosted by Juan Carlos Reyes Vázquez. Also present were the Ambassador of Ukraine to Mexico, Oksana Dramaretska, Minister Counsellor at Embassy of Canada in Mexico, Susan Pereverzoff, Gerardo Rodríguez Sánchez Lara, Jose Gerardo Traslosheros Hernández & Tania Gómez Zapata from Universidad De Las Américas Puebla.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the teams at the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, the Embassy of Ukraine to Mexico, Canada-Ukraine Foundation & Aid for Artists for making this trip possible and for their thoughtful planning of these preview events.
Mexico - Centro Cultural Bella Época
As the second event of an advocacy trip to Mexico, a private screening of the film was presented at the Cine Lido in the Centro Cultural Bella Época in Condesa, Mexico City. Introducing the event were Gabriel Frappier, Counsellor for Public Affairs, Education and Culture at the Embassy of Canada in Mexico, Victoria Khaladzhy, Political Adviser of the Embassy of Ukraine in Mexico. A Q&A followed the screening, as well as press interviews.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the teams at the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, the Embassy of Ukraine to Mexico, Canada-Ukraine Foundation & Aid for Artists for making this trip possible and for their thoughtful planning of these preview events.
Why Tell This Story Now?
Art installations tend to focus their attention on the viewers, and this film is an invitation for audiences to heed warning - this war destroyed the doors of Ukraine, but it is also knocking on the doors of the democratic world in its entirety. Is the world ready to finally shut the door on Putin, Russia and its war crimes or will they idly stand by resulting in further destruction of the doors of Ukraine and the people behind them? What will it take for people to take notice?
Two years on, the war in Ukraine continues, but the global attention has waned. We explore the mental and physical toll the longevity of war has on both the people experiencing it first-hand in Ukraine, as well as those living abroad, through dozens of interviews within the Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora along with candid on the ground interviews with several of the individuals behind these Doors of War.
The Doors
The Official Exhibit
Doors. Through the Horror of War; an art installation by Ukrainian artist Ruslan Kurt, has been an evocative exploration of the impacts of the Russian invasion on the lives of Ukrainians.
This installation features actual doors salvaged from war-torn areas in Ukraine, each carrying the scars of the invasion—burn marks, bullet holes, and splinters. These doors, once part of homes, and schools, now stand as poignant symbols of resistance and
resilience, encapsulating the intrusion of war into everyday life.
The exhibit aims to convey the message that on February 24, 2022, the war knocked on the door of every Ukrainian, illustrating the personal and communal devastation caused by the conflict.
Ruslan, originally from Melitopol, Ukraine, which is currently under Russian occupation, felt compelled to share these stories through art after he relocated to Canada.
Since its debut in August 2022, the exhibition has traveled extensively across Canada, resonating deeply with audiences through its visceral depiction of war in Ukraine.
Support Ukraine
How can I help?
Art is the soul of our people; our strength and identity.
The AID for ARTISTS fund of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation provides an outlet for the community at large to support the arts and artists of Ukraine who keep our homeland forward-facing, courageous and united. Preserving and advancing Ukrainian culture is now more important than ever.
Projects related to re-establishment, creation, and jobs in the arts sector will be considered. Funding will go to: individuals, organizations, all genres of visual & performing arts of Ukraine
AID for ARTISTS funds artists, arts workers, arts organizations, arts institutions and artist advocates to improve the preservation, promotion and development of Ukrainian arts in Ukraine.
With 28 years of experience in Ukraine, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) monitors and promotes programs that support humanitarian aid, medical assistance, education, social welfare, and good governance. CUF communicates and collaborates with aid providers and donors in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of our support.
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