In the no man’s land situated in the heart of the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, longtime neighbors take in soldiers from both sides. As war grinds on and resources become scarce, they recognize that isolation is no longer an option.
The world premiere of Grey Bees took place at the IFFR in 2024, after which the film earned numerous awards, including Ukrainian Film Critics’ Prize.
Grey Bees as seen by Ukrainian critic Hanna Datsiuk:
Only two men remain in a deserted village lost within the ‘gray zone’ of Eastern Ukraine – Serhiyovych and Pashka. Once childhood friends, they are now reluctant neighbors, bound by a shared past and the quiet weight of solitude. Serhiyovych, a beekeeper, lives by his own rules, taking care of his bees – the last fragile link to a life before the war. Pashka, on the other hand, is restless and shrewd, scraping by however he can, never too concerned about picking sides. Together they cling to a place that feels less and less like home. But when a Russian sniper appears on the outskirts, their uneasy balance begins to crumble, demanding a choice they can no longer avoid.
Directed by Dmytro Moyseyev, Grey Bees unfolds like a theatrical production, relying on the magnetic dynamic between two remarkable actors – Victor Zhdanov and Volodymyr Yamnenko. The setting itself, seemingly pulled straight from wartime reportage, blurs the line between documentary and fiction. Moyseyev transforms real locations into a vivid cinematic space, filling it with characters and stories that feel deeply lived-in.
Rather than leaning to the traditional genre of war drama, the film takes an intimate approach to depicting life at the epicenter of conflict. It’s not about battlefield action but about those trapped in a place they cannot leave — home that has been long gone. The ever-present specter of death and decay makes this vision of Donbass one of the loneliest places in the world. And yet, for those who remain, escape is not an option. This is a story of those who’ve been displaced by staying at their birthplace.
About Kyiv Critics’ Week
Kyiv Critics’ Week is one of Ukraine’s most prominent film festivals, showcasing the best of world cinema to local audiences, selected and presented by professional Ukrainian film critics.
About the speakers
Daria Badior is a film critic, editor, and co-curator of Kyiv Critics’ Week. Works as a journalist for Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Suspilne. Kultura, but has been contributing as a freelancer to Dwutygodnyk, Osteuropa, Kino Raksti, and others. Daria is a co-founder of the Union of Ukrainian Film Critics and a member of the European Film Academy.
Speakers
Kyiv Critics Week x NL is made possible with the support of Steunfonds Oekraïense makers, Stichting Droom en Daad, Gemeente Rotterdam, Ukrainian Institute and Embassy of Ukraine.
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: Fuchzhou
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: Ukrainian Short Films
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: Grey Bees
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: U Are the Universe
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: Stone Cross
Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL: Fragments of Ice
May 9 – May 11: The best of Ukrainian cinema to local audiences, selected and presented by Ukrainian film critics
From May 9 till May 11, Kyiv Critics’ Week x NL showcases the best of Ukrainian cinema, selected and presented by Ukrainian film critics Daria Badior, Hanna Datsiuk and Serhii Ksaverov. Since February 2022, when Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 6 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes.
A curated showcase of Ukraine’s most compelling films, exploring the theme ‘Away from Home’
