A film inspired by the resilience of a young ballroom dancer with burns has garnered attention lately. Roman Oleksiv, a Ukrainian boy injured by a bomb at the age of seven, was the subject of this award-winning London film. The movie, titled Romchyk, depicts Roman’s journey of recovery after facing a tragic incident involving a Russian missile strike that claimed his mother’s life.
Students from Goldsmiths, University of London, took on the challenge of filming Romchyk in and around their campus in New Cross. This project was initiated by Kostiantyn Bidnenko, who felt compelled to shed light on Roman’s story and the struggles of children affected by war. The film not only highlights Roman’s perseverance but also his pursuit of his passion for dance, showcasing his unwavering determination to become a professional dancer.
During the Vatican’s global summit focusing on safeguarding children from the ravages of war, Romchyk received recognition when it was shown to the Pope. Kostiantyn, along with his fellow students, managed to create a compelling narrative by authentically capturing Roman’s journey. The team faced the challenge of transforming London into Ukraine for the filming, utilizing various locations like a nearby park and a repurposed classroom to bring Roman’s story to life.
The impactful portrayal of the repercussions of war on children in Romchyk resonated with audiences, leading to the film winning an award at the Cambria Film Festival in California. Its success has opened doors for Romchyk to be featured in numerous international short film festivals. Kostiantyn expressed his ultimate reward as Roman and his father appreciating the film’s portrayal of their story and the care taken in handling such a sensitive subject matter
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