Tribeca doc "Soldiers of Song" comes to theaters + streaming
"Soldiers of Song” Documentary about Ukrainian Musicians Now in Theaters
with On-Demand Streaming starting March 8
“Soldiers of Song” premiered in June at the Tribeca Film Festival
Playing Theatrically in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Toronto, London, Rome + More
The film explores the profound impact of music on Ukrainian culture during a time of war
Directed by Ryan Smith | Documentary | 2024 | Full Screening List
Hailed as a "must-watch" film by Forbes, "Soldiers of Song” will open in theaters this month, followed by an on-demand release on March 8. Directed and produced by Ryan Smith, in collaboration with a courageous Ukrainian production crew and Executive Produced by the Governor George Pataki Leadership Center, the film explores the profound impact of music on Ukrainian culture during a time of war.
After a debut screening at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film went on to screening in festivals around the world, including the Warsaw International Film Festival (where it was nominated for Best Documentary Feature), Hamptons Doc Fest, and Stockholm Global Sounds Festival.
Featuring Ukraine's most beloved musicians, including Slava Vakarchuk (Okean Elzy), Andriy Khlyvnyuk (Boombox), and Svitlana Tarabarova, “Soldiers of Song” reveals the experiences of life under the shadow of Russian aggression and weaves together narratives of resilience, hope, and healing, as musicians bravely navigate through harrowing challenges to inspire unity and courage. Through intimate interviews and personal narratives, each contributor adds a unique chapter to the story.
Following the theatrical release, the film will be available on major streaming platforms including Apple TV.
“I loved watching SOLDIERS OF SONG. The music and the resilience of its players are captured beautifully in this film. The Ukrainian Spirit at its best.”
- Sean Penn, Actor and Activist
Directed and produced by New York-native Ryan Smith, this film marks a continuation of Smith's previous acclaimed work, including the Emmy Award-winning "NFL 360: Who If Not Us," which followed a group of football players in Ukraine who volunteered to join the military in defense of their country.
“Music has the remarkable ability to forge connections across cultures. We feel that 'Soldiers of Song' will offer audiences a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian experience, fostering empathy and connection with their struggles," said Smith.
"For anyone who believes in the transformative power of art during dark times, this film is an essential reminder of why culture itself is worth fighting for."
- Euromaiden Press
"In times of crisis, music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire,” said Governor Pataki, who serves as Executive Producer on the film. “'Soldiers of Song' showcases the unwavering courage and resilience of Ukraine's musicians, serving as a testament to the human spirit's triumph over oppression."
Spanning the entirety of the country, production for the film extended to the frontlines, where cameras were embedded with musicians, capturing their raw experiences. Smith and the production team conducted intimate interviews and filmed musical performances on the ground in Ukraine. Post-production took six months, during which the team navigated through challenges like air raid sirens, power outages, and the unsettling sound of missiles flying past their homes.
This film also features Metallica's iconic ballad "Nothing Else Matters," performed by Ukrainian pop singer Svitlana Tarabarova. This rendition of the song serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, forging a bond that transcends borders and unites hearts in the face of adversity.
