Kenya Premiere of 'Porcelain War' Sparks Powerful Dialogue Between Ukrainian Ambassador and Kenyan Students

On Wednesday, 4 March, the European Union Delegation to Kenya, the Embassy of France, the High Commission of Canada, and the Embassy of Ukraine hosted the Kenya premiere of Porcelain War at Alliance Française Nairobi. The screening marked four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With over 150 guests, the cinema was filled to capacity.

Embassy of France in Kenya

But it was the plenary discussion afterwards that truly brought the evening to life. Students from the University of Nairobi's Department of Diplomacy and International Studies came prepared with sharp questions and thoughtful observations, leading to a lively back-and-forth with H.E. Yurii Tokar, Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya. The exchange touched on sovereignty, international law, the global implications of the war-and why it matters far beyond Europe's borders.

The documentary itself set the stage for these conversations. Porcelain War follows three Ukrainian artists who chose to stay in their homeland after Russia's invasion-armed with their art, their cameras, and for the first time in their lives, their guns. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2024 and nominated for an Academy Award, the film is a testament to resilience and the power of art as resistance. It reminded us that "although it's easy to make people afraid, it's hard to destroy their passion for living."

The event also featured remarks by H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France; Ondřej Šimek, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the EU Delegation and Jonathan Tan, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to UNEP and UN-Habitat. On behalf of the Government of Kenya, Amb. Diana Kiambuthi, Deputy Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, shared her views. Journalist Kibii Eliud moderated the discussion, and the evening closed with a reception where conversations continued long into the night.