"In this very difficult moment, it is important for us to know that we are not alone." A few blue and yellow flags waved in the Buñuel room on the top floor of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, on Tuesday, May 13, as Ukraine's ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, emotionally delivered the national salute – "Slava Ukraïni!" ("Glory to Ukraine") – to an audience supportive of his cause. The diplomat was accompanied on stage by director Yves Jeuland, Le Monde senior reporter Ariane Chemin and researcher Lisa Vapné, co-scriptwriters of the two-part documentary Zelensky. In addition to its broadcast on the Arte channel, this richly archival portrait, featuring interviews that trace the incredible destiny of the Russian-speaking comedic actor who became president after portraying one on television, opened the special programming of three films dedicated to Ukraine in Cannes on that day.

"On this first day of the festival, our thoughts are with you," said the festival's director, Thierry Frémaux, recalling the speech made by Volodymyr Zelensky during the opening ceremony in 2022, just weeks after the invasion of his country by Russia. "We did not imagine it would still be going on in 2025," said Frémaux, who was pleased to "show beautiful films" that "convey essential messages." "We must remind the world that Ukraine exists and that it continues to fight," said Omelchenko, as the election of Donald Trump to the White House further weakens his country's position against Russia.

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