In celebration of Ukraine’s Constitution Day and as part of its cultural diplomacy efforts, the Embassy of Ukraine and the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Manila hosted a film screening and photo exhibit on June 28 at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, located at the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City.

The event brought together diplomats, academic leaders, students, film enthusiasts, members of the international community, and the Ukrainian community in Metro Manila. The event also offered the chance for reflection, a sense of togetherness, and an exchange of culture. Mavka, from the writing of Lesya Urainka, tells the story of stirring love, defiance, and harmony with nature, themes that will strike a deep chord with the guests. Simultaneously, a photo exhibit at the venue's entrance featured images and narratives of regular people who became Ukrainian soldiers during the war, showcasing the nation's spirit and resiliency.

The program started with a moving invocation by Dr. Beatrice Jane L. Ang, the head delegate of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Manila, who called for a collective reflection and unity in the face of conflict and hardship. Dr. Ang highlighted the restoration of harmony among nations, the safe return of Ukrainian children through the Bring Kids Back UA Initiative, and global solidarity in pursuit of justice and reconciliation. “May the message of Mavka, with its theme of nature, spirit, and enduring hope, resonate deeply with us,” she said. “May it remind us of the universal values that bind us together.”

This heartfelt invocation set the tone for the afternoon, not just for viewing, but of shared contemplation on the power of resistance and memory.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Yuliia Fediiv of the Embassy of Ukraine delivered a deeply personal and evocative message. She welcomed guests warmly and acknowledged their presence as a symbol of friendship and solidarity. “You carry stories, values, and responsibilities,” she said, addressing diplomats, educators, professionals, and guests in the room. “And today, you also carry something else: a piece of Ukraine in your heart.”

Ambassador Fediiv emphasized that Mavka is not just a children’s story but a symbol of Ukraine’s spirit. Referencing Lesya Ukrainka’s poetic legacy, Ambassador Fediv described Mavka as “the heart of Ukraine—she protects her land with love, not violence. She sings, she feels, she resists. She also stated the emotional toll of organizing such events during wartime: “Ukraine is at war. People I know—people we all know—are on the frontlines. But we didn’t want the world to see us only as victims. We wanted to bring you something beautiful. Something that says: ‘We are still here. We are alive. We create. We dream.’”

She called on attendees, particularly Filipino friends, to share Ukraine’s story and to support the country’s path to freedom and cultural survival. “Even a small gesture—a donation, a post—can save a life,” she urged.

Also delivering a heartfelt welcome was Yason Banal, Director of the UP Film Institute, who expressed solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to using cinema as a platform for cultural dialogue and resistance. He emphasized the role of film in fostering empathy and understanding across borders. Dr. Maria Labiste, Dean of the UP College of Mass Communication, likewise delivered a message of support, highlighting the importance of media and storytelling in preserving truth and amplifying voices in times of conflict. She commended the event for bridging communities and fostering global awareness through art and narrative.

Following the screening, a pre-recorded statement from Daria Zarivna, Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA, was also presented. She echoed Ukraine’s commitment to protecting its children and culture and expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for their solidarity.

The "MAVKA Film Screening and Photo Exhibition" stood as a testament to the enduring bond between the Philippines and Ukraine. More than a cultural event, it became a platform for education, empathy, and empowerment—amplifying Ukrainian voices and celebrating the shared humanity that transcends borders.