MA students’ film Romchyk screened at the Vatican

A film by MA Filmmaking students, based on the true story of an eight-year-old boy whose life has been up-ended by the ongoing war in Ukraine, had a special screening in the Vatican.

Students on the MA Filmmaking programme created the short film to share the story of Roman Oleksiv. In 2022, a missile strike in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, killed his mother and left Roman severely injured. Roman was treated in Germany and despite fears he would never walk again, began his recovery, and continued his passion for ballroom dancing.  

As part of his treatment, Roman had to wear a medical mask to treat his burns. For Kostiantyn Bidnenko, one of the film’s producers, Roman's medical mask was emblematic of a superhero mask, as he continued to follow his dream of being a champion dancer despite the many difficulties he faced. Kostiantyn suggested making a film about Roman after reading his story. The film is called ‘Romchyk,’ a nickname for Roman.  

A collaboration of fifteen students on the MA Filmmaking programme working with experts in the field, including alumni and additional specialist crew members, brought Roman’s story to life. Lara Kozah joined Kostiantyn as the film’s producers. 'Romchyk’ was shot in five locations, including scenes shot in Deptford Town Hall. The students built a complete set for Romchyk’s bedroom on campus. 

The students also worked with members of the Ukrainian community in London to cast the actors and worked with a Ukrainian choreographer and makeup artist. 

Members of the team, alongside Roman, were invited to the Vatican earlier this month. Pope Francis viewed the film which was also screened for visiting dignitaries attending a children’s rights summit. The film has attracted media interest with the BBC London covering the news both online, on television and on radio.

Credit: Anna Butrowska

For Lara Kozah, who is originally from Lebanon, it was important to share Roman’s story to show the impact of conflict on children,  ''The aim of the children's summit at the Vatican aligned perfectly with our film - to raise awareness about children caught in conflict and ensure they have a future with choices and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. 

"Being at the Vatican was a surreal experience, especially witnessing how deeply our film impacted some of the attendees who saw the screening.” 

Kostiantyn Bidnenko added, “As filmmakers, it’s an honour to get invited to the Vatican and to show our film to the Pope in such a private way. But even though it’s an honour to be invited, it’s a strange mix of emotions, because in a way I wish that we weren’t there showing this film, because I wish the real events which inspired it had never happened.” 

Credit: Sarah Hosney 

In the BBC London News report about ‘Romchyk’, Roman said, “This film is very important because it tells my personal story and shows even in difficult moments in life, you can still live and fulfil your dreams.” 

‘Romchyk’ was recently awarded as the audience favourite in the emerging filmmaker short category at the Cambria film festival in California.  

Tracy Bass, Senior Lecturer and Head of the MA Filmmaking programme at Goldsmiths, said, “'Romchyk' is a product of hard work, resilience, and the courage to share a small piece of oneself with the world.

“Each year, the programme welcomes a cohort of students at different stages of their filmmaking journey and helps them to develop their voices to become the storytellers of the future. The ethos of the programme centres around creative synergy and collaboration.

"Film has the power to evoke emotions, inspire change and connect people across different cultures. We are proud to support our students as they create and reflect unique stories and perspectives, and we eagerly await the next chapters in their careers." 

MA Filmmaking graduates have gone on to have credits with well-known production companies and platforms around the world including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, BBC, Paramount Pictures and the BFI, amongst others.