'Shalom Ukraine': documentary film by Ilya Axelrod

On the eve of the second anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Israeli stand-up comedian, director, screenwriter, and producer Ilya Axelrod released a documentary titled "Shalom Ukraine," which explores the lives of his Ukrainian friends and fellow comedians during the conflict.

The premiere screening of the film, organized by the public organization "Israeli Friends of Ukraine," took place on February 21 at the ANU Museum in Tel Aviv.

Ilya Axelrod commented on the documentary, stating, "This story delves into the lives of some of the funniest people in Ukraine during its darkest times. Before the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, I had the opportunity to perform in projects with Kvartal 95. As the conflict unfolded, I harbored a desire to visit Kyiv and reconnect with my friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry. This aspiration ultimately inspired the creation of a short film about their experiences, which came to fruition. Although filmed in the summer of 2023, the events that transpired after October 7, 2023, imbued the project with new significance for me."