31/08/2026
We continue to share highlights from the events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence in Ireland 🇺🇦
On August 20th, the documentary Empowered, part of the international Empowered UA film marathon, was screened in Mountrath, Co. Laois.
🎬 The film tells the stories of prominent Ukrainians who not only defend their freedom during Russia’s full-scale war, but also continue to create culture, defend human rights, develop the arts, and help shape the future of Europe. Among the film’s protagonists are Crimean Tatar singer Jamala, Ukrainian ethno-chaos band DakhaBrakha, Ukrainian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviychuk, and others.
🎶 The screening opened with a performance of the song “People” (MamaRika & KOLA) by a local Ukrainian children’s choir. The performance was dedicated to all the artists who, through their work, tell the world about Ukraine and help preserve its identity.
The event brought together members of the local Ukrainian community as well as Irish people interested in and supporting Ukraine. The film touched everyone deeply.
Here is one of the reviews we received:
🇮🇪 “It was a powerful and moving documentary. Having individual stories made it very effective, and it showed me how much culture is a part of both improving the morale of Ukrainian people and the fight against Russia. I also realised even more how Ukraine is so much a European nation, and we should all embrace that fact.”
We are very grateful to the Watch Ukrainian! Association Дивись українське for organising the film marathon and providing the film, and to the Ukrainian Laois Support Association (ULSA) for organising the screening and bringing the community together 🙌
