Navigating the emotional turmoil of waiting for life to begin while hanging around with classmates – a radical, authentic, and sensitive insight into the unsettling feeling of being young and an inside perspective on Ukrainian youth. This film is part of Focus Ukraine. The screening on May 29 will be attended by actress Maria Fedorchenko.

About the speaker (May 29)

Mariia Fedorenko is a young Ukrainian actress who gained popularity for her role in the film “Stop-Zemlia.” This film, released in 2021, marked her cinema debut.

“Stop-Zemlia” is the debut feature film of director Kateryna Gornostai, in which Fedorenko played one of the main roles. The film focuses on the lives of high school students who are going through a formative period, searching for themselves, and determining their life paths. The character Masha, played by Fedorenko, is a teenager experiencing typical challenges for her age, such as first love, self-doubt, and the struggle to find her place in the world.

The filming of “Stop-Zemlia” involved non-professional actors, which added a documentary and authentic feel to the movie. Mariia Fedorenko, like her co-stars, had no prior acting experience, which did not prevent her from standing out with her performance. Her portrayal was highly praised by critics for its naturalness and emotional depth.

The film received several awards at international film festivals, including the Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation 14plus section. The success of the film helped draw attention to talented young actors, including Mariia Fedorenko.

Thanks to her role in “Stop-Zemlia,” Mariia Fedorenko has become a notable figure in Ukrainian cinema and a promising actress whose work is followed by both audiences and film critics