According to the Deadline, the film’s debut will be one of the main events of the festival, as this year's dates coincide with the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - the event will run from February 16 to 26. The festival will also include a number of events dedicated to supporting Ukrainian filmmakers.
"This is a documentary film done under very difficult circumstances, but it is also a film that tells the role of art and artists in difficult times," said Carlo Chatrian , the festival's artistic director.
Chatrian added that the film features footage shot by Penn in Ukraine in November 2021, filming with Zelenskyy, as well as footage from Kyiv following the start of Russia's invasion.
The festival will have a special panel dedicated to financing options for Ukrainian audiovisual content. The Berlin Film Festival has also provided free accreditations to Ukrainian filmmakers; about 50 Ukrainian professionals are planning to attend.
Earlier, American director and actor Sean Penn appealed to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to give Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the opportunity to speak at the Oscar ceremony.