Packed Premiere of 'On the Drive' in Kyiv: Filmed Under Fire in Kharkiv

On April 2, 2023, the National Palace of Arts 'Ukraine' in Kyiv was the venue for the premiere screening of the highly anticipated Ukrainian film 'On the Drive.' This film, which is scheduled for a wide release on April 9, has already generated considerable buzz among industry professionals, cultural figures, media representatives, and public guests, reflecting a robust interest in its narrative and themes. The evening was hosted by Yevhen Yanovych, and attendees had the opportunity to engage with the creative team and actors following the screening.

Director Alona Tymoshenko shared her hopes for the film, stating in an exclusive comment: 'We sincerely hope that the audience will feel and appreciate this story. A lot of work has gone into this film, and I believe it has turned out to be high-quality, emotional, and very relevant.' According to Tymoshenko, 'On the Drive' tells the story of friends who find themselves immersed in the world of illegal racing during wartime. The plot not only revolves around speed and adrenaline but also delves into relationships, coming of age, conflicts between parents and children, choices, and the emotional tension heightened by the races themselves.

The director also revealed details about the filming process, noting that some scenes were shot under perilous conditions in Kharkiv. 'During the filming, there was a significant shelling incident in Kharkiv. Fortunately, we were all in the metro at that time because we were shooting night scenes there. A few team members didn’t make it down in time and suffered minor injuries because the explosion occurred right by the station, where the entire Barabashov market was burned down,' she recounted.

Tymoshenko emphasized that the team prepared separately for the racing scenes, with actors undergoing specialized training. 'We specifically trained the actors. They took extreme driving courses to be ready to handle the cars and perform stunts that were within their capabilities,' the director explained. The main roles were cast through auditions, with one of the key objectives being to find an organic interaction between the characters.

The lead female role of Alisa in the film is portrayed by Iolanta Bohdun, who described her involvement in the project as a unique experience and her debut. 'The impressions are the best because this is a project created with love, and that is the most important thing. The process was simply grand, it was so wonderful, so warm, and so enjoyable. I really hope the film will be great, and I am eager to see my performance from the audience's perspective since this is my debut,' she shared. The actress also recalled one of the most challenging shooting days when they filmed in a lake during the fall when it was cold, and they had to stand in the water.

Other actors in the film include Maria Saminina, Sofia Bayun, and Tetiana Ostapenko. Among the guests at the premiere screening was actor, former Minister of Culture, and head of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize Committee Yevhen Nyshchuk. He underscored the importance of new Ukrainian films during wartime, stating: 'Every Ukrainian premiere, especially in these times, is an event of hope, a belief that we will overcome everything.' Nyshchuk also highlighted the significance of genre development in Ukrainian cinema, emphasizing the need for Ukrainian films to evolve in various directions.

Former Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko, who was also present at the screening, expressed optimism about the prospects for Ukrainian films, saying: 'I always have high expectations for Ukrainian films.' Poet and cultural manager Tetiana Vlasova noted the scale of the film's promotional campaign and the interest it garnered even before its release. 'I have been following this film probably since the very beginning of the promotional campaign and was impressed by its scale,' she remarked.

Television host Hryhoriy Reshetnik also expressed confidence that the film would achieve audience success, emphasizing that it is a film about Ukraine. The director's husband and former deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, mentioned that he had been anxious about the project since its preparation began but believed in its success. 'We must always strive to enhance the quality of both the film itself and its presentation and promotion,' he added.

'On the Drive' is set to be released in theaters on April 9. The premiere screening in Kyiv demonstrated that Ukrainian genre cinema continues to attract audience attention even during a time of great war, showcasing the resilience and creative potential of Ukrainian artists.