War overshadows Lviv, a beautiful ancient city in western Ukraine, but life continues to move forward. How does one cope with maintaining normalcy, when sirens are ablaze with constant Russian attacks threatening all aspects of society? Hong Kong iconic documentary filmmaker Tammy Cheung (Secondary School, Rice Distribution) dives into the realities lived by Lviv and its people, her camera as her tool of solidarity, sharing the stories of ordinary citizens, refugees, drafted men, journalists, medics, and more.
Lviv Diary is a sombering insight into the tears and trauma of war, shining necessary spotlight on the people holding onto Ukraine’s fight for freedom and against authoritarian expansion. As a practitioner of “Direct Cinema” and long-time documentarian on social and political causes, Cheung does not employ voice over or interviews, reiterating the unifying power of observation and being present.
Holding its world premiere at Hong Kong Film Festival UK, Lviv Diary is Cheung’s second documentary about the war in Ukraine.
Followed by an in person conversation with director Tammy Cheung, moderated by Chris Berry.
In Ukrainian with Chinese and English subtitles
With support from Amnesty International UK.
Hong Kong Film Festival UK returns for its third edition from 12–28 September in London, presenting reflective, boundary-shifting cinema from Hong Kong and the ESEA diaspora. This year’s programme foregrounds transient and transitioning identities, exploring perspectives on migration, activism, marginalised communities, and gender, highlighting also the creative lens of women filmmakers. From dynamic contemporary works to intimate personal narratives, the festival centres voices that challenge, navigate, and reimagine belonging. Supported by the BFI.
