GLOBAL CULTURES: THE EUKRAINIAN 4 JULY 2026

Join us for a screening of The Eukrainian (2025), dir. Viktor Nordenskiöld, 92 mins, cert: 18.

While her nation is fighting for its survival, her task is to give that survival meaning when peace comes. Olha Stefanishyna is The Eukrainian, a young minister with the almost insurmountable task of bringing her country into the EU.

The film will be introduced by Professor Anna Chechel, and there will be an opportunity to discuss the film with her after the screening.

About Professor Anna Chechel

Professor Anna Chechel is Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Mariupol State University and a Visiting Scholar at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. She holds a Doctor of Science (DSc) in Economics and a PhD in Public Administration. Her research focuses on adaptive public governance, institutional resilience, sustainable development, and recovery in contexts of war and forced displacement. She has co-led UKRI-funded research bringing together the University of Cambridge and Mariupol State University to examine displaced institutions and Ukrainian women entrepreneurs. She is currently involved in a Horizon Europe consortium focusing on governance and resilience. Her work explores how public institutions, universities, and communities adapt to crisis, with particular attention to governance innovation, social entrepreneurship, and post-war recovery. Alongside her academic work, Anna is Founder and Trustee of UWISE (Ukrainian Women for Integration, Support and Empowerment), a UK-based organisation supporting displaced Ukrainian women through research, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives.

About the film

Working in the corridors of power with Ukraine’s young Minister for the EU and NATO in a film about ideals, diplomacy and international grand politics.

Olha Stefanishyna is a woman with high ideals and the courage to fight for them – even when they are literally under attack. Her pro-European will was awakened during the Maidan protests, and when nine years later – now as Deputy Prime Minister with the responsibility for Ukraine’s campaign for EU membership – she receives the call that Russia has invaded the country in 2022, she sends her children to safety and boards a train to help President Zelenskyj lead the country through war – and into the EU and NATO.

With full access to Stefanishyna, Swedish documentarian Viktor Nordenskiöld is by her side in the dramatic years that followed. ‘The Eukrainian’ is a journey into a labyrinth of EU politics, diplomacy and ideological minefields.

While Ukrainian forces bravely struggle to hold off Russian invaders, Olha races against time to meet the EU’s strict criteria. She confronts corruption and judicial reform, but also internal opposition from Hungary and an unpredictable US. Meanwhile, the rest of Europe holds its breath.

About the main character: Olha Stefanishyna

A specialist in EU law, she became a member of the Ukrainian cabinet in 2020. At 39 years of age she is now a Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister for European and Transatlantic Relations. She is the chief engineer behind Ukraine’s successful bid to become a full candidate for membership in the European Union.

About the director: Viktor Nordenskiöld

Viktor Nordenskiöld is an award winning Swedish director, producer and international news journalist. He has made many films for Swedish TV, his short Out of This World premiered at Berlinale (2014), his first released feature The Feminister at CPH DOX (2019), the second Behind The Swedish Model at GIFF Gothenburg Film Festival and CPH:DOX (2022), and third Hemligheten at Tempo FF (2023). He has a Master of Arts (MA) from Stockholm University of the Dramatic Arts (2017) and a Bachelor (BJ) in Journalism from The Netherlands and Denmark (1994). He had been in the artistic commission for film at The Swedish Arts Grants Committee (2020-2023), in the jury of several film festivals and in the board of B2B Documentary Network.

This event will take place in West Court, Jesus College. The pedestrian entrance can be accessed from Jesus Lane. On arrival, you will be directed to the event hall. Please see the detailed map below for further information.

WITH THANKS TO

This event is part of Panorama’s partnership with Jesus College, Cambridge. Global Cultures at Jesus College is produced by Panorama and led by Director Matthew Webb. Its goal is to contribute to Cambridge city beyond our walls, offering unique cultural moments with world-class figures through its regular events, which are open to all. In the last year alone, we have featured master craftspeople, Noh theatre mask makers, National Geographic photographers, and film directors, producers and talent. Monthly events throughout the year will provide many opportunities for you to participate.

The Ukrainian Women for Integration, Support and Empowerment (UWISE) is dedicated to uplifting and empowering Ukrainian women in Cambridge and across the UK. Our mission is to strengthen community connections, support meaningful integration, and foster a deep sense of belonging through social, educational, cultural, and well-being initiatives.

Support

If you have any questions about tickets, ticketing, or the event in general, please do write to us via [email protected], and we’ll be in touch.