The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of South Africa is pleased to announce that the Oscar-nominated documentary “Porcelain War” will be presented as part of the European Film Festival South Africa 2026, with physical screenings in Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town, as well as an online presence during the Festival. Directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, Porcelain War tells the story of Ukrainian artists Slava Leontyev, his wife Anya, and their friend Andriy Stefanov, whose peaceful lives and artistic work were transformed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Before the war, they shared a passion for nature and for creating delicate porcelain figurines. Following the invasion, they remained in Ukraine and found themselves taking on entirely new roles in defence of their country. Through footage filmed at great personal risk, the documentary provides an intimate perspective on the realities of Russia’s war against Ukraine while showing how art, human relationships and creativity endure even under the most difficult circumstances. The film captures the resilience of Ukrainian society and the determination of ordinary Ukrainians to protect their families, their country and their freedom. 

Screening schedule: Johannesburg 

Rosebank Nouveau 19 September 2026 | 20:00 

Durban New Noise Courtyard 26 September 2026 | 17:00 Pretoria 

Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn 27 September 2026 | 14:00 

Cape Town The Labia Theatre 27 September 2026 | 17:00 P

orcelain War will also be available online as part of the Festival programme. Further information and tickets are available on the European Film Festival South Africa website: Link in comments  The Embassy encourages members of the Ukrainian community, friends of Ukraine and South African audiences to attend the screenings and discover this powerful story of Ukrainian courage, creativity and resilience. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to the, the Austrian Embassy Pretoria, Austrian Cultural Forum,Flanders Southern Africa, and the EU in South Africa and UK High Commision for their support in bringing Porcelain War to South African audiences as part of the European Film Festival South Africa 2026.