THE COMMUNITY

THE COMMUNITY

Director: Alex Osmolovsky / Israel/Ukraine 2025

Genre: Documentary
Category: Society / Human Interest / Religion / Current Affairs / War / Ukraine

Producers: Michael Katrih, Alex Osmolovsky: Laco Films

Co-producers: Anatolii Dudinskyi, Dmytro Malyshev: AMO Pictures (Ukraine)

Supported by: The New Fund for Cinema and Television (NFCT)

Language: Ukrainian, Russian

Subtitles: English

Length: 64 minutes

As the film’s director and someone who once called Ukraine home, I returned to witness this powerful reality firsthand, seeking to understand why, despite everything, the Jewish community continues to see Ukraine as their home. Alex Osmolovsky

A portrait of Jewish life in Ukraine today, in the mirror of history and in the shadow of Russia’s full-scale invasion. ”The Community” captures the strength and resilience of Ukraine’s diverse Jewish community as they navigate the hardships of war. Through personal stories and interviews with a range of characters, the film reveals their essential role in Ukraine’s struggle and explores their experiences.

  • A compelling personal portrait of contemporary Jewish life in Ukraine, told by the Ukrainian Jewish community. While the country struggles against the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian Jewish community continues to show strength and commit to a future in their homeland. Through personal stories and historical reflection, the documentary reveals their resilience, solidarity, and the complex reality in which they live. EO/Dutch Public Television

Watch a conversation with director Alex Osmolovsky, after the premiere of THE COMMUNITY, at PJFM’s first ever Jewish Resilience Film and Media Series (April 24-28, 2025)
PJFM Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media/Youtube

#TJFF2025! Watch Alex Osmolovsky @alex_osmo, Director of THE COMMUNITY who presented at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival – the #CanadianPremiere of his illuminating documentary that follows Ukrainian Jews from various backgrounds as they reflect on their relationship to their homeland and share how their lives have changed since the Russian invasion.
TJFF Toronto Jewish Film Festival/Instagram

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Festivals & Awards:

 

Movie Reviews:

Alfred Edelstein, editor-in-chief of the Jewish section of EO (Dutch public broadcaster):
« Despite Russian accusations of Nazism, "The Community" makes it clear why Ukraine still feels like home to many Jews. The film shows their resilience and complexity, even in times of fear and uncertainty. With this documentary, we show that Jewish life is inextricably linked to the major questions of our time: how do you find stability in war? How do you stay true to your beliefs, even when it's dangerous? We are proud to bring this film to the attention of the Dutch public. » On Jewish Identity In Turbulent Times / Alfred Edelstein / NPO


Director's Statement:

* « ''The Community'' is a deeply personal exploration of resilience and identity within Ukraine’s Jewish community, framed through my own experiences. Before the war, I lived in Ukraine as part of this community, working as a director and producer. When the conflict forced me to leave, I watched from afar as accusations of Nazism against Ukraine began to echo worldwide. Unable to ignore these claims, I felt compelled to return and see the truth for myself.

I chose to return on Purim, a holiday meant to be one of the happiest in Jewish tradition, marking a powerful beginning to this journey. From that point, I have spent the last two years making this film, capturing the rich history of Jewish life in Ukraine and its enduring influence on the modern Jewish world. Through the personal stories of remarkable individuals, this film reveals the strength of a community that, today, stands firmly as part of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s full-scale invasion.

''The Community'' questions the reality behind the accusations and shows why, for most Ukrainian Jews, Ukraine remains an irreplaceable home, even in these darkest times. »

Alex Osmolovsky

 

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