A powerful Ukrainian documentary about resilience during wartime has won the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. “Porcelain War,” co-directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, tells the story of Ukrainian artists fighting against Russian invasion through creativity and spirit.
The film follows Leontyev, who serves as both a shooting instructor for Ukrainian Armed Forces and a porcelain artist, and his wife Anna Stasenko. Their work embodies the documentary’s central message: “Ukraine is like Porcelain. Easy to break but impossible to destroy.”
During a recent virtual Q&A, acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro praised the documentary and warned about challenges facing artistic expression. “We are entering a very dark time where art will be demeaned,” he said. Del Toro emphasized that resistance lives through art and spirit.
Leontyev, who attended the Beverly Hills awards ceremony with his dog Frodo – also featured in the film – credited the documentary’s success to Ukraine’s resilient people. “This incredible recognition was only possible thanks to the heroic Ukrainians who made the film possible,” he stated.
The documentary has attracted support from prominent Hollywood figures, including Chris Columbus, Rashida Jones, and Julie Taymor. As Oscar voting begins, the filmmakers are conducting global screenings to build momentum for the Best Documentary Feature category.
“Porcelain War” follows other impactful Ukrainian war documentaries, continuing to shed light on the country’s ongoing conflict through artistic storytelling. The film joins “20 Days in Mariupol” in receiving critical recognition for its powerful narrative of resistance and survival.
