Photophobia

Deeply touching fiction-documentary hybrid, looking at the war in Ukraine through the eyes of two children in search of a ray of light. Niki (12) and Vika (11) meet in the underground subway tunnels where their families hide from Russian bombs. ‘A positive attitude can help you forget everything.’

On a cold February morning, 12-year-old Niki and his family arrive at the Kharkiv metro station to take shelter from the terrifying war raging outside. For Niki’s family, daylight is synonymous with mortal danger, and the boy is not allowed to leave the station premises, living under the constant glow of their neon lights. While aimlessly wandering around the abandoned cars and full platforms, Niki meets Vika (11), and a new world opens up to him. As their bond strengthens, the children find the courage once again to feel the sun on their faces.

Slovakian filmmaker duo Ivan Ostrochovský and Pavol Pekarčík choose the path of hope rather than despondency to depict the tragedy of war: a nice man sings lyrics about love, while two children look towards the sky and their future.

Photophobia is also the opening film of the Movies that Matter Festival 2024.