Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors | Fall Ukrainian Film Series
About this Event
On September 3, we are honored to open the series with one of the most celebrated films in Ukrainian cinema, a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire audiences around the world. Directed by Sergei Parajanov, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, rich Hutsul folklore, and revolutionary visual language. More than sixty years after its release, it remains one of the defining works of Ukrainian cultural heritage and a landmark of world cinema.
This will be a community gathering with expert introductions, post-film discussions, and conversations that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Hosted at C Ukraine Cultural Showcase in downtown San Francisco, this Cinema Club project creates a space where film becomes dialogue. With the support of the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco, we are building a regular cultural forum that strengthens Ukrainian-American ties through art, discussion, and shared experience.
About “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (Tini Zabutykh Predkiv)”
Running Time: 96 minutes
Language: Ukrainian with English subtitles
Description: Two Hutsul clans have been feuding for many years. Against a backdrop of bitterness and vengeance, a pure and radiant love blossoms between Ivan and Marichka, who belong to the rival families. Ivan is forced to leave to seek work, and while he is away, Marichka perishes in the depths of a river. Ivan tries to forget his beloved, but cannot. Even marriage to the beautiful Palahna brings no relief. Only in his dying delirium does Ivan find his happiness once more.
Appearing at the turning point between two Soviet eras — when power in Moscow had already shifted toward reaction, yet the Ukrainian cinema was still experiencing its "thaw" — Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors became a pivotal event in the development of Ukrainian culture in the second half of the twentieth century. It sparked a dissident scandal at the premiere at the Ukraine cinema, fueled a prolonged confrontation between directors of the "poetic" school and Soviet censorship, and ultimately transformed Parajanov's film into an icon of style for the young cinema of independent Ukraine.
Whatever the case, Parajanov's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is an extraordinarily compelling work even beyond its political context — remarkable for its innovative cinematic language and the involvement of nearly half of the key figures of Ukrainian cinema from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project and Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in collaboration with the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Centre and in association with the Dovzhenko Film Studio. Special thanks to Daniel Bird and Łukasz Ceranka. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
About Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors | Trailer
Time
6:30 PM — Doors Open
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Movie Screening
9:00 - 9:30 PM — Discussion
Seating is limited. Early RSVP recommended.
Tickets
General Admission — $15
Students — $10
Seniors— $10
One hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds from this event will benefit Nova Ukraine, located at 425 Page Mill Road, FL 2, Palo Alto, CA 94306, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Nova Ukraine’s annual report and more information are available at www.novaukraine.org. “Net Proceeds” means the amount actually received after all costs, expenses, and deductions.
Fall Ukrainian Film Series Dates
Please be advised that the dates and times are subject to change.
September 3 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm
September 17 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm
September 24 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Parking discount:
3-9 PM
825 Sansome Street, San Francisco
15$ for the parking per vehicle plus 10$ if it is an oversized vehicle like pickup.
Guests will have to mention that they are going to the Ukrainian event.
About the Venue
C Ukraine is a cultural space and pop-up store that showcases and celebrates Ukrainian art, heritage, and innovation.
Located at: 875 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA
Guests can explore Ukrainian traditions, contemporary design, and creative brands — and now, engage with Ukrainian cinema in an intimate setting.
Disclaimer:
Nova Ukraine reserves the right to use photos and videos taken during the event for marketing and publicity on our website, social media, or any third-party publication. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform an event organizer and/or a photographer.
Nova Ukraine shall implement reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized recording or duplication during the screening at the event.
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:00 AM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Movie Screening
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Discussion
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51 to USD 17.85
