Reel Ukraine, a Zoristar Podcast, is hosted by Los Angeles–based entertainment professionals Zorianna Kit and Roxy Toporowych. Each episode features in-depth conversations with filmmakers and artists whose work intersects with Ukraine in meaningful ways. The show goes inside the filmmaking process, exploring why these stories are being told, how they come together, and what it means to create art connected to Ukraine at a moment when its culture, identity, and future are under global attention.
Reel Ukraine
Claim This Podcastby Zorianna Kit and Roxy Toporowych
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5 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Reel Ukraine, a Zoristar Podcast, is hosted by Los Angeles–based entertainment professionals Zorianna Kit and Roxy Toporowych. Each episode features in-depth conversations with filmmakers and artists whose work intersects with Ukraine in meaningful ways. The show goes inside the filmmaking process, exploring why these stories are being told, how they come together, and what it means to create art connected to Ukraine at a moment when its culture, identity, and future are under global attention.
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Publishing Since
1/25/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 3, 2026
Ep. 5 | Armed With Only a Camera
In this episode of Real Ukraine, hosts Zorianna Kit and Roxy Toporowych sit down with Academy Award®-nominated filmmakers Craig Renaud and Juan Arredondo to discuss their documentary Armed With Only a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud. 🎥 The film chronicles the life, work, and tragic death of acclaimed journalist and filmmaker Brent Renaud, who was the first American journalist killed while documenting the war in Ukraine in March 2022. Craig, Brent's brother and longtime filmmaking partner, shares the journey of bringing Brent home from Ukraine and honoring his life through the 38-minute film. Juan, who was critically wounded in the same attack, reflects on their friendship, their work documenting conflict, and the challenges of surviving to tell Brent's final story. This conversation is both a tribute to Brent Renaud and a testament to the courage of journalists who risk their lives to document the realities of war and ensure the truth is seen. It is also a reminder of the generosity and resilience of the Ukrainian people, whose compassion helped carry Brent home and save Juan's life. 🇺🇦
May 9, 2026
Ep. 4 | Alisa Kovalenko - Part Two
Ukrainian filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko joins Zorianna and Roxy on Reel Ukraine for a powerful conversation about documenting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a filmmaker, frontline soldier, mother, and survivor of sexual violence in captivity. Picking up where Part One left off, this episode explores Alisa’s films We Will Not Fade Away and Traces. Together, the films examine Ukrainian teenagers growing up in the Donbas region during wartime, as well as the lasting trauma caused by sexual violence and torture during Russia’s war against Ukraine. 🎥 We Will Not Fade Away is available to stream on Klassiki. Traces premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026, where it won the Documentary Award, and continues to screen at festivals worldwide throughout 2026. 🇺🇦 Reel Ukraine has partnered with @klassikionline to bring more Ukrainian cinema to audiences around the globe. Use discount code REELUKRAINE for 40% off a year-long membership. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Alisa Kovalenko on Filming the Ukraine War 00:09 – The Origins of We Will Not Fade Away 01:28 – Staying in Ukraine During the Full-Scale Invasion 02:43 – Following Teenagers in Donbas Over Three Years 04:16 – Hope and Resilience in Wartime Ukraine 07:08 – Why the Film Ends With Hope 09:29 – Ukrainian Youth Growing Up During War 11:09 – Connecting We Will Not Fade Away and Traces 13:14 – Surviving Russian Captivity in 2014 14:13 – Speaking Publicly About Sexual Violence in War 16:15 – Making Traces Without Exploiting Survivors 20:19 – Nature, Healing, and Trauma in Traces 23:30 – The Symbolism of Sunflowers in Ukraine 24:21 – Trauma, Memory, and Recovery 25:44 – Audience Reactions at Berlinale 28:43 – Looking Back at Alisa in Warland 29:37 – The Emotional Cost of Documenting War 30:07 – Advocacy, Ukrainian Law, and Seeking Justice 33:11 – Why These Stories Matter Beyond Ukraine 34:37 – Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence 36:18 – Future Film Projects and Stories for Children 37:05 – Final Thoughts and Where to Watch
April 10, 2026
Ep. 3 | Alisa Kovalenko - Part One
Filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko joins Zorianna and Roxy for a deeply personal conversation about documenting war, memory, and motherhood in Ukraine. Known for her visually striking and intimate documentaries, Alisa reflects on how her 12-year journey from film student to mother to soldier and frontline documentarian has shaped her voice as a storyteller. In Part One, the conversation focuses on two of her films, "Alisa in Warland" and "My Dear Theo," capturing different chapters of her life, from a young filmmaker during political unrest to a mother and enlisted soldier on the frontlines. Be sure to catch Part Two, where the conversation continues, exploring Alisa’s evolution as a filmmaker and how her work takes on an even more personal and urgent dimension. "Alisa in Warland" is available on Prime Video. "My Dear Theo" screening at film festivals worldwide in 2025.
5 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Reel Ukraine?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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