ZMINA: Rebuilding | “More Than Just Screenings” – How SoliDARE Built a Creative Hub for Ukrainian Filmmakers in Europe

​​In the face of war and displacement, cultural exchange becomes more than just artistic collaboration. The SoliDARE project, a partnership between Kino Úsmev (Košice, Slovakia) and the Hnat Khotkevych Palace of Culture (Lviv, Ukraine), set out to create a space where Ukrainian filmmakers could continue their work, share their stories, and connect with new audiences in Central Europe.

We spoke with Kristína Novosádová, project manager at Kino Úsmev, about the project’s impact, the challenges of fostering artistic exchange during wartime, and how SoliDARE has shaped new opportunities for collaboration and understanding.

How did the idea for the SoliDARE project come about? Was it a response to specific challenges related to the war and the displacement of Ukrainian artists? Why was the format of a cultural residency chosen for its implementation?

The project was created through discussions with our partner, the Hnat Khotkevych Palace of Culture. We wanted to provide a space for Ukrainian film professionals to develop their projects in a safe environment and to present their high-quality work within a European context.

For us, artistic residencies have long been a means of supporting artists from around the world. They offer an essential platform for creative development and allow artists to refine their work in an atmosphere that fosters artistic growth.

What were the main objectives of the project, and how do you evaluate its success—through the professional development of participants, audience engagement, or the creation of new partnerships?

The main objectives of the project were intercultural exchange between Slovakia and Ukraine, audience development, the sharing of best practices, and the presentation of Ukrainian artists' work in Central Europe. The most successful aspects were the artistic residencies, which attracted a high level of interest, as well as film screenings, which expanded cultural offer for the Ukrainian community in Košice. Through this project, partners were able to establish stronger connections with film professionals, further enriching collaboration in the field.

The project focuses on the development of audiovisual culture and the film industry. Why were these particular areas chosen? What is their significance for cultural dialogue between Ukraine and Europe?

We chose the project’s theme because it is closely connected to both partners. We believe that film is an effective tool for raising awareness of Ukrainian culture in Europe and fostering greater understanding, sensitivity, and tolerance within society. By linking the film industries of both countries, we also aimed to support the potential for co-productions and facilitate the exchange of expertise among professionals. This, in turn, helps to enhance the quality of both Slovak and Ukrainian films and strengthen their competitiveness in the European market.

The partnership between Kino Úsmev in Košice and the Hnat Khotkevych Palace of Culture in Lviv is key to the project's implementation. How did these two organisations join forces? What strengths did each partner bring to the project?

We collaborated throughout the entire project, from a silent film concert to the selection of residents and the curation of film screenings. The Hnat Khotkevych Palace of Culture contributed its extensive connections within the Ukrainian film industry, resulting in over 100 applications for residencies in Košice. Kino Úsmev, on the other hand, provided high-quality film programming, event production, and partnership development, drawing on its many years of experience in these areas.

Kino Úsmev has a history spanning nearly a century and serves as a cultural hub in Košice. How does this historical legacy influence the atmosphere of the residency and the way the participants perceive it? To your mind, does this aspect hold any symbolic meaning for the participants from Ukraine?

We believe that the historical legacy of Kino Úsmev adds authenticity to the residencies, while also connecting participants to the cultural heritage of the city.

For Ukrainian participants, the cinema can symbolise a safe space—a place for reflection and creative expression—while also reinforcing cultural continuity, which undoubtedly strengthens their sense of belonging.

Kristína Novosádová, project manager at Kino Úsmev

The project is funded through the ZMINA: Rebuilding programme, which supports Ukrainian cultural initiatives. What role did this programme play in preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture in Europe?

The ZMINA: Rebuilding programme played a crucial role, particularly in the context of war and forced migration. By supporting Ukrainian artists, providing them with space for creative work, and enabling international collaboration, the programme helped to maintain cultural continuity and raise awareness of Ukrainian identity.

We firmly believe that its impact on the project was fundamental. Without the financial and organisational support it provided, we would not have been able to implement the project or the residencies. Thanks to this initiative, Ukrainian creators had the opportunity to work in a safe and inspiring environment while actively contributing to the development of Ukrainian culture on the European cultural scene.

The residency included various activities. Could you tell us more about it? How did these events impact participants? Was it possible to create a space for sharing experiences and developing new ideas?

As part of the project, we organised several workshops, film screenings, masterclasses, and residencies. Through these activities, we aimed to create a space for mutual inspiration, experience-sharing, and the integration of diverse artistic approaches from Ukrainian artists.

These collective activities not only allowed participants to express themselves creatively but also allowed them to reflect on both personal and common narratives. Discussions and collaborations played a key role in generating new ideas with potential for future impact and development, ultimately fulfilling the project's core objective.

A silent film concert accompanied the opening of the project. Why was this format chosen for the launch? How did the audience respond to this combination of art and history?

Kino Úsmev had previously organised similar events, which had attracted significant interest. By combining high-quality Ukrainian cinema with a live musical accompaniment by the Ukrainian duo Misha Kalinin and Roksana Smirnova, we created a unique opportunity to raise awareness among a broader audience. Kino Úsmev had previously organised similar events combining film and music, which attracted great interest. By bringing together the historically significant Ukrainian film Man with a Movie Camera (1929) and a live musical performance by the Ukrainian duo Misha Kalinin and Roksana Smirnova, we created a unique cultural experience and reached an audience beyond our usual visitor base, which was our goal. This format was chosen deliberately to show the potential of contemporary interpretations of film through its combination with other forms of art and directly tied into the project’s theme, which also included the revival of the Ukrainian film industry in the post-war period.

Workshops and seminars were key elements of the residency. Were any new approaches or joint initiatives uncovered during these sessions that could have a lasting impact on participants or their development?

Yes, the workshops and seminars during the residency allowed participants to explore new approaches to artistic creation and expression. The discussions and the exchange of experiences contributed to a deeper understanding of contemporary cultural and social issues, which could have a long-term influence on their creative development.

These sessions also led to the emergence of new initiatives, some of which may evolve into future collaborations or international projects. By connecting participants from different professional backgrounds, the residency strengthened their networks and opened up new opportunities for showcasing and further developing their artistic work.

How does the audience in Košice perceive the presentations of Ukrainian artists overall? Have these events successfully drawn attention to Ukrainian culture?

Throughout all activities, we conducted survey-based research after each event. Based on the collected feedback, we can conclude that the audience in Košice responded positively to the presentations and activities featuring Ukrainian artists, showing a growing interest in Ukrainian culture and contemporary artistic production.

These initiatives helped to bring the Ukrainian cultural identity closer to a wider audience, creating a space for understanding and dialogue between residents and Ukrainian creators. The events significantly contributed to raising the visibility of Ukrainian culture in Košice, with community engagement being a key aspect of the project.

Were there any moments or participant feedback from the residency that particularly stood out? Or perhaps there are stories that you think would illustrate some sort of transformative impact of the project on their lives or artistic work?

The residency featured several powerful moments and personal stories that proved its transformative influence. Some participants shared that being in a safe and supportive environment allowed them to fully return to their creative work and process their own experiences related to migration or war.

One particularly memorable aspect of the programme was the spontaneous discussions that continued even after official events had ended. Participants and guests engaged in open conversations on various topics, with the local audience often responding with empathy and curiosity, contributing to a deep sense of connection and understanding.

From the feedback we received, some artists noted that the residency helped them discover a new direction in their work, while others were able to develop initial concepts for long-term international collaborations. These experiences showed us that the project had an impact not only on the artistic but also on personal and social levels, shaping the participants’ future creative paths.

What key insights have you gained from implementing this project? How might these conclusions influence the future organisation of residencies or other cultural initiatives?

The project has shown us that for the successful organisation of residencies and other cultural initiatives, several factors are essential. Creating a safe and supportive environment for artists is crucial, as it allows them to fully engage in their creative work. Strengthening community involvement and fostering long-term international collaboration also proved to be key elements in ensuring a meaningful impact.

The interaction with the local community in Košice played a particularly important role, demonstrating the value of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Additionally, programme flexibility and an individual approach are necessary to maximise artistic development, ensuring that each participant can make the most of their residency experience.

How do you think SoliDARE contributed to the development of international cultural dialogue? Has it succeeded in laying the foundation for long-term partnerships between Ukraine and Europe?

SoliDARE played a significant role by creating a space for collaboration between Ukrainian and European artists, encouraging the exchange of experiences, and raising awareness of Ukrainian culture. And, to my mind, the project has helped establish a foundation for long-term partnerships—participants have formed new connections that could lead to future collaborations, while the events have strengthened mutual understanding between communities.

This initiative has demonstrated that international cultural exchange is essential not only for creative development but also for building strong and lasting relationships between Ukraine and Europe.

Kristína Novosádová, project manager at Kino Úsmev

Author: Mariia Akhromieieva

ZMINA: Rebuilding is a project co-funded by the EU Creative Europe Programme under a dedicated call for proposals to support Ukrainian displaced people and the Ukrainian Cultural and Creative Sectors. The project is a cooperation between IZOLYATSIA (UA), Trans Europe Halles (SE) and Malý Berlín (SK).