Premiere Screening of 'On the Drive' Takes Place in Kyiv

In Kyiv, the long-awaited film 'On the Drive' had its pre-premiere screening, drawing considerable attention from fans of Ukrainian cinema. This film, which blends a dynamic genre format with a contemporary social context, tells the story of a group of young friends from Kharkiv who, remaining in a frontline city, discover abandoned cars in a shopping mall closed due to the war and organize underground races. The film has become one of the most anticipated Ukrainian releases, with its premiere scheduled for April 9.

During the presentation, producer Alena Tymoshenko addressed the audience, urging them to cherish life's moments despite the challenging circumstances we live in. She emphasized, 'In fact, we made a film about feeling moments. Despite living in such conditions, despite the war, I sincerely ask you to appreciate these moments, notice who is next to you, love one another, and feel that fragile happiness. Do not postpone your dreams for tomorrow - do everything today, even if it involves risk.'

Director Artem Lytvynenko also shared his thoughts on the film, noting that it tells the story of each of us, those who are just starting their journey, and those who already inspire and support others. 'For me, this film is a story about how youth cannot be put on pause, even during war. It is that light, that energy, and that drive that we carry with us throughout our lives. They nourish us and inspire us,' said Lytvynenko, highlighting the importance of the younger generation in our society.

In the film's final scenes, birds appear at the train station, symbolizing the youth and children who are forced to grow up faster than expected. 'Some fly away, but I want to believe that they will return because this is their sky, this is their land. This film is about them,' the director added. These words underscore the deep emotional significance of the film, which seeks to convey the importance of support and love in wartime conditions.

The plot of 'On the Drive' revolves around a group of friends who, remaining in a dangerous city, find new ways to entertain themselves by organizing underground car races. However, this amusement quickly turns into a dangerous game, where the stakes become higher, and the risks more serious. Each of the film's characters pays their price for freedom, popularity, and friendship, making the film relevant and resonant with the realities of modern life.

The main filming took place in Kyiv, but the first stage was shot in Kharkiv, particularly on the city streets and in characteristic locations of the region. The leading roles in the film are played by young actors: Ivan Dovzhenko, Eduard Polyakov, Iolanta Bohdyun, Bohdan Moroshan, Maria Saminina, and others. They all brought their talent and energy, making the film even more captivating.

'On the Drive' not only entertains but also prompts reflection on important themes such as friendship, support, and courage in difficult times. This film will be a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian cinema, as it demonstrates how young talents can create quality films that resonate with audiences and convey important messages.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that as part of the 'Cinema for Victory!' tour, which took place in March, 61 screenings were held, indicating a growing interest in Ukrainian cinema and its support in wartime conditions. Join our channels on Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube to stay updated on all the news and events in the world of Ukrainian cinema.