The Harper College Communication Arts department is proud to present Three From Ukraine, a unique film series that brings the diverse cultures of Ukraine to the campus of Harper College. This series is a testament to the college’s commitment to internationalizing its offerings and providing a platform for students, employees, and members of the community to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of global cultures.
- The series includes a selection of films made in Ukraine, showcasing the country’s vibrant art scene and offering a glimpse into the lives of Ukrainians.
- These films have been carefully curated to provide a comprehensive representation of Ukrainian culture, highlighting both the country’s history and its modern-day identity.
The series features three films: a coming-of-age story, a 3D-animated fairy tale, and a comedy/drama that has been hailed as one of the best Ukrainian films ever made. All screenings are free, open to the community, and take place on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.
| **Film Title** | **Date** | **Location** |
| “Stop-Zemlia” | April 25 | State-of-the-art Film Lab, Building E, Room E109 |
| “My Thoughts are Silent” | May 9 | State-of-the-art Film Lab, Building E, Room E109 |
| “Mavka: The forest song” | Varies | Harper’s Performing Arts Center, Building R |
The series is being presented by Associate Professor Brian Shelton, who is passionate about internationalizing the college’s cinema offerings. Shelton believes that watching films from different cultures is an excellent way to learn about their history, art, and traditions. He notes that Harper College is a diverse and international campus, and he aims to reflect this diversity through the series. “Harper is very much an international campus. It’s our goal to internationalize the cinema offerings on campus as well,” said Shelton. “I personally believe that you can learn a lot about a culture by watching their films, studying their art. The more we know, the better we might understand.”
Shelton reached out to Ukrainian students at Harper College to ask for recommendations on which films to include in the series. He was particularly interested in showcasing modern depictions of Ukraine, as he believes that these films offer a unique perspective on the country’s history and culture.
“Three From Ukraine comes on the heels of Harper’s South Asian Film Series and Spanish Film Festival, all of which have been designed to represent identities within the college’s students, employees and community. I want people to come and see something different,” said Shelton.
The series includes a mix of classic and modern films, as well as films that showcase the country’s rich folklore. Shelton notes that the coming-of-age story, “Stop-Zemlia,” is reminiscent of John Hughes movies such as “Sixteen Candles.” He also mentions that the 3D-animated fairy tale, “Mavka: The Forest Song,” offers a unique opportunity to showcase a family-friendly movie that tells stories from Ukrainian folk mythology. “I want people to come and see something different,” Shelton said. “What are young people in Ukraine like? You might get a sense from watching one of these movies.”
The screenings are free, open to the community, and take place on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to discover the rich culture and traditions of Ukraine through the eyes of its filmmakers!
Some highlights of the series include:
- “Stop-Zemlia” (April 25): A coming-of-age story that explores the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
- “My Thoughts are Silent” (May 9): A comedy/drama that has been hailed as one of the best Ukrainian films ever made.
- “Mavka: The Forest Song” (Varies): A 3D-animated fairy tale that tells stories from Ukrainian folk mythology.
The series is a testament to Harper College’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. By showcasing films from different cultures, the college aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
