The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine

A new documentary from Adrenaline Films, The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine, follows National Ballet of Ukraine stage director Oleh Tokar and other ballet artists who had to make a difficult decision after the Russian invasion of Ukraine: to flee or to stay to fight—and also to perform. Tokar, one of many Ukrainian ballet artists who have taken up arms in the fight against Russia, continues to work for National Ballet of Ukraine by day. The film had an exclusive premiere at the National Opera House of Ukraine earlier this month and will debut at the Florida Film Festival on April 16, with a second screening on April 20.

Conceived by co-director Jonathan Maricle, with additional direction by Joan Finn Adkison, the 95-minute film was produced by Julie Meyer and Adrenaline Films founder Michael Murray.

Read Kyra Laubacher’s article in Pointe about The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine.