Discover Kobzarka: Ukrainian Music & War Film (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Nova Ukraine presents a screening of the documentary film Kobzarka on Saturday, May 23 as part of the Ukrainian Spring Film Marathon series in San Francisco, CA at C-Ukraine. Directed by Gladden Rangel, Kobzarka follows the story of Inna Ishchenko, an emerging Ukrainian pop artist who sets aside her aspirations of stardom to perform for soldiers in a war for her country’s survival. The program begins with an introductory presentation, followed by the film screening, and concludes with a post-screening discussion and audience Q&A with Gladden Rangel.

Kobzarka blends vérité documentary with musical performance, merging front line footage with an original studio score to create an immersive experience. The bandura is central to the film—a traditional instrument once suppressed under Soviet rule. By choosing the bandura, Inna Ishchenko connects to the legacy of the kobzars, itinerant bards who preserved Ukrainian history through music. Once silenced by occupation, the instrument is now played at the front line by a young woman who chose presence over safety.

Kobzarka is Gladden Rangel’s debut documentary and the first chapter of an ongoing body of work documenting music as a language of survival across cultures in conflict.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.