NEW YORK – Filmmakers of “Julia Blue” held a panel discussion at St. George Academy in New York City on Sunday, April 3, to discuss the upcoming film. Co-Sponsored by Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union and St. George Academy, the event featured an exclusive pre-release screening of the film’s promo video and a Q & A with the filmmakers moderated by Andrij Dobriansky from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
Also included was a surprise Skype session with the lead actors, Polina Snisarenko from Kyiv and Dima Yaroshenko from Paris. Treats were provided by chef Olesia Lew.
“Julia Blue” tells a classic story of star-crossed lovers Julia and English set against the unique and modern backdrop of contemporary war-torn Ukraine. The film was shot entirely on location in Ukraine, utilizing Ukrainian filmmaking crews and talent, thereby providing many local jobs. The film boasts breathtaking cinematography of both Kyiv and the Carpathian mountains. ”Julia Blue” was written and directed by Roxy Toporowych, whose previous film was the Ukrainian dance documentary “Folk!”
The team wrapped production in late October 2015 and is currently in post-production in New York and actively fund-raising towards completion of the film. The finished product will be submitted to top-tier film festivals globally, with theatrical and streaming distribution to follow.
Ms. Toporowych and producer Nilou Safinya both believe strongly that art during wartime is paramount to the sanity and sanctity of the population.
Sara Malekzadeh
At a panel discussion about the forthcoming film “Julia Blue” (from left) are: Nilou Safinya (producer), Roxy Toporowych (writer/director), Ben Kim (editor) and Ali Kinsella (translator)
Ms. Safinya explained: “Creative expression through film has the power to heal emotions and nurture the soul. A film like ‘Julia Blue’ can also provide a vehicle for escapism for those most directly affected by the turmoil and chaos, while also pricking a global conscience.”
She added: “We feel that film as a medium can also be very effective as an educational tool and captivating springboard for the mitigation of existing attitudes of cultural bias or ignorance and the cultivation of global empathy and understanding.”
For more information or to be a part of telling this story by making a donation towards the completion of the film, readers may visit JuliaBlueTheMovie.com.