Academy Award-winning producer Matiss Kaza has joined forces with Ukrainian director Philip Sotnychenko for his latest cinematic endeavor, 'Times New Roman'. This collaborative European production delves into the profound impact of Russia's large-scale invasion on Ukraine, viewed through the lens of a struggling Kyiv artist. The narrative follows the protagonist as he grapples with personal demons and the weight of history, seeking an artistic path to express the nation's enduring struggle.

Renowned Producer Matiss Kaza Boards Philip Sotnychenko's 'Times New Roman' Amidst Transilvania Pitch Stop Forum

In a significant development for Ukrainian cinema, Oscar-winning Latvian producer Matiss Kaza, celebrated for his work on the animated feature 'Flow', has officially committed to Ukrainian director Philip Sotnychenko's forthcoming film, 'Times New Roman'. This announcement coincides with the project's participation in the prestigious Transilvania Pitch Stop co-production forum, hosted during the Transilvania Film Festival. Kaza's production company, Trickster Pictures, is set to collaborate on this pan-European initiative. The lead production responsibilities fall to Ukraine's Viatel, helmed by Halyna Kryvorchuk, and Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema, represented by Valeria Sochyvets and Sashko Chubko. Additional international partners include afterschool from Lithuania, with Klementina Remeikaite and Laurynas Bareisa, Germany's Superzoom Film, led by Hans Broich, and GoGoFilm from the Netherlands, with Ineke Smits.

The narrative of 'Times New Roman' is set against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It introduces Roman, a Kyiv-based artist navigating a profound midlife crisis exacerbated by an alcohol dependency and the relentless emotional toll of the ongoing conflict. A unique opportunity arises for Roman when he is offered a challenging performance art project: to meticulously reenact the historical assassinations of three exiled Ukrainian political figures in Europe. This artistic undertaking aims to highlight the protracted and brutal history of Russian interference in Ukrainian affairs. Drawn by the prospect of escaping Ukraine, Roman embarks on a journey across Europe, only to discover that his internal struggles are not easily left behind. The film draws inspiration from the real-life political killings of Symon Petlura in Paris in 1926, Yevhen Konovalets in Rotterdam in 1938, and Stepan Bandera in Munich in 1959. Roman's road trip involves staging these reenactments at the fateful sites, often before an unsuspecting public. Collaborating with performers and visual artists Yarema Malashchuk and Roman Khimei, who will also feature in the film, Sotnychenko aims to create a poignant exploration of contemporary Ukrainian identity.

Director Sotnychenko articulated his personal connection to the film, stating that 'Times New Roman' mirrors his own endeavors to sustain his artistic practice amidst the wartime conditions of a nation with restricted borders yet boundless spirit. He characterized the project as a feature that intricately weaves together a personal narrative, an artistic statement, and critical political inquiry. Sotnychenko emphasized the film's role as a reflection on modern Ukraine, seen through the eyes of an artist in internal turmoil, grappling with dilemmas of staying or leaving, usefulness versus honesty, and feeling versus action. These are profound questions, he notes, that resonate with many Ukrainians today, and he seeks to explore them through the distinctive language of cinema. Sotnychenko's previous work, 'La Palisiada', his feature debut, was an enigmatic police procedural that illuminated a pivotal moment in recent Ukrainian history. Despite the success of 'La Palisiada', which was filmed before the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2024, the production of 'Times New Roman' faces significantly more daunting circumstances. Producer Sashko Chubko acknowledged the immense physical, mental, and financial hurdles, noting the pervasive exhaustion after four years of conflict. However, the project has received a crucial boost with the anticipated announcement of the Ukrainian State Film Agency's first funding call since the invasion, which will provide much-needed support for international co-productions, allowing Ukrainian producers to contribute more substantially.

The creation of 'Times New Roman' offers a profound artistic response to the enduring challenges faced by Ukraine. This film serves not only as a reflection of contemporary struggles but also as a powerful act of remembrance, ensuring that historical injustices are not forgotten. It underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment of artists to speak truth and foster dialogue, even in the most arduous of times.