U Are the Universe is a love story unlike any other – after Earth explodes, a lonely Ukrainian space trucker Andriy believes he is the only survivor until a French scientist Catherine appears on the radio. Despite all the obstacles, Andriy decides to meet her.
U Are the Universe as seen by Ukrainian critic Serhii Ksaverov:
What if you were the last person in the universe, doomed to a lonely, miserable existence in a shabby space garbage truck, floating somewhere between Jupiter and eternity? Pavlo Ostrikov’s debut, expectedly, explores the theme of existential emptiness, but it employs a main character who appears content with the notion that the rest of humanity was eliminated in one catastrophic blow – until he realizes he is not truly alone.
Cinematic space journeys rarely stray from the formula of a mission-driven hero overcoming obstacles. U Are the Universe plays with this very framework but does so in an offbeat and, dare I say, distinctly Ukrainian way. Its protagonist, almost proverbially so, embodies a dazzling mix of contradictions, possessing the rare ability to both irritate and amuse. Yet, it is precisely within these contradictions that the film discovers its tenderness and heart, making for a journey that defies expectations.
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.
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.
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
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.
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’
