Film about burial of executed Ukrainians to be screened at Cannes Film Festival

Vesna, a film by Lithuanian filmmaker Rostislav Kirpičenko about the burial of executed Ukrainian civilians, has been selected for the programme of the Cannes Film Festival.

Source: Ukrainian Film Academy

Details: The film tells the story of how Russians prohibit the burial of executed civilians in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The lead role is played by Lithuanian actor Kęstutis Cicėnas, who portrays Andrii, a 35-year-old priest forced to keep the bodies of those killed until they can be buried in mass graves. He carries out secret resistance by identifying the dead, returning them to their families and ensuring dignified burials.

The film is a joint production of Ukraine, Lithuania and France. Around 80 people worked on its creation.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world's most prestigious film events and takes place annually in France. This year it will run from 12 to 23 May 2026.

Background: Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov will chair the jury of the L'Œil d'Or documentary award at the Cannes Film Festival.

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