Country: Poland | Type: Feature | Year: 2024 | Duration: 102 min | The film is screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles
ABOUT THE FILM
A volcanic eruption always seems like something distant, almost unreal. But one day it will turn everything around into ash. War arrives just as suddenly, forever altering the familiar flow of life. Under the Volcano is a heartfelt portrait of a Ukrainian family who, overnight, turned from tourists into refugees.
Just days before the full-scale invasion began, the Kovalenko family set off on vacation to the Canary Islands, unaware that they would not be able to return home. Russia would launch a major war, all flights to Kyiv would be canceled, and they would find themselves trapped in a hotel, caught in an existential limbo, surrounded by happy families enjoying themselves as if nothing had happened. In Tenerife, the sun still shines, the sea is blue, and palm trees rustle in the wind — but none of it feels like paradise anymore. The war finds its way here, even if there are no explosions or missiles hitting buildings.
REASON TO WATCH
This is the second feature by Polish director Damian Kocur, selected to represent Poland in the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. The film's cinematographer is Mykyta Kuzmenko, known for his work on Pamfir and his collaboration with director Tanu Muino, with whom he has shot music videos for Harry Styles and Lenny Kravitz. He was also nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for a Dua Lipa video.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Damian Kocur is a young Polish director who gained attention with his striking short films, known for their raw style and boldness. Following his successful feature debut in Venice, he presented another short at Cannes (co-directed with Ukrainian filmmaker Anastasiia Solonevych). Under the Volcano is his second feature film. In 2023, Damian already visited Neighbours’ Film Festival with his film Bread and Salt.
AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
Toronto International Film Festival Premiere, 2024
Poland’s Official Oscar Entry, 2024
Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival, 2024