Photo – courtesy of Soldiers of Song ©
“Soldiers of Song” will premiere on Thursday, June 13, at 5:30 PM at AMC Theater 19th St. East 6 in New York, as part of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Directed and produced by Ryan Smith, with a courageous Ukrainian crew and executive produced by the Governor George Pataki Leadership Center, the film explores the impact of music on Ukrainian culture during wartime.
Featuring Ukraine’s top musicians like Slava Vakarchuk (Okean Elzy), Andriy Khlyvnyuk (Boombox), and Svitlana Tarabarova, “Soldiers of Song” captures life under Russian aggression, weaving stories of resilience, hope, and healing. Through intimate interviews, each musician shares their unique perspective.
Ryan Smith continues his acclaimed work, following the Emmy Award-winning “NFL 360: Who If Not Us,” about Ukrainian football players turned soldiers. “Music connects cultures. ‘Soldiers of Song’ offers a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian experience, fostering empathy,” says Smith. The documentary aligns with the Governor George Pataki Leadership Center’s Ukraine Relief Fund, which provides housing, generators, and medical supplies to Ukrainians. Governor Pataki and other guests will attend the premiere. “In a crisis, music heals, unites, and inspires,” says Governor Pataki, executive producer. “‘Soldiers of Song’ showcases the courage and resilience of Ukraine’s musicians.” Owen Pataki adds, “Ryan Smith’s vision and dedication have created this remarkable film. We’re thrilled ‘Soldiers of Song’ is featured at Tribeca.”
Filmed across Ukraine, the production team embedded with musicians at the frontlines, capturing their raw experiences. The six-month post-production faced challenges like air raid sirens and power outages.
The film features a powerful rendition of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” by Svitlana Tarabarova, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and uniting hearts in adversity.
