New code_
An authored documentary project about a generation of war that shapes culture, memory and the meanings of the future. Personal stories of Ukrainian servicemen who remain artists.
Created with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Fund
Coming Soon
"New Code". Season 2 — September 2026!
Serhiy Zhadan, Olena Herasymyuk, Taras Kozub and Misha Pravylnyi — the heroes of the second season of "New Code". Events unfold in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk, and the heroes' stories reach occupied Donbas. This is a story about memory and returning home, the experience of servicemen and veterans — and Ukrainian culture that endures, transforms and creates new forms and meanings during war.
A new Ukraine is being born right now. This is a generation that simultaneously fights and creates, defends and reimagines — shaping new culture, new memory and new meaning as it all unfolds before our eyes.
About the Project
About the Project
"New Code" is an authored cycle of documentary films about Ukrainian servicemen who were artists in peacetime and have not lost their ability to create during the war. The project was created by documentary filmmaker and journalist Maryna Chankova, supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Fund and partners.
At the centre of each story is a real person — not a poster hero, not a symbol. A living person with their own fears, doubts, losses, hopes and inner changes. Every hero lives through their own path of transformation.
We observe how a musician becomes a drone unit commander, a poet works at a mortar position, a cinematographer operates unmanned systems, and an artist combines military service with motherhood and creativity.
Why It Matters
Culture in wartime is not a luxury. It is a way to survive. New texts are written between combat missions. New music is born in dugouts. New paintings are created at the front. We believe that culture is as important a part of national resilience as the army, diplomacy or economy.
Project Heroes
Production
Production
Filming took place across different regions of Ukraine. Season 1 covers Kyiv, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Season 2 expands the geography: Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. The camera enters creative workshops and radio studios, takes the stage at theatres and concerts.
Observational documentary without staged scenes. The camera stays with the person in their real environment, capturing silence, doubt and the moment of inner choice.
An independent creative team of documentary filmmakers, cinematographers, journalists and producers with experience in conflict, humanitarian and cultural projects.
The foundation of the project was trust. Work with each hero lasted from several weeks to several months. This trust allowed the team to be present in the most important moments.
Between stage and frontline. Between rehearsal and combat. Between the camera and real life.
Team
Team
Project author and director, documentary filmmaker, journalist and producer with over fifteen years of experience in Ukrainian and international media. Has collaborated with Voice of America, Amnesty International, Bloomberg, Euronews and other media organizations.
I am interested not only in what is happening to the country during the war. I am interested in what is happening to the person.
How they change. What they lose. What they find. And how exactly new culture is born in a moment when the world seems to be falling apart.
At the centre of each story is a real person with their fears, doubts, losses, hopes and inner changes.
Every hero lives through their own path of transformation. We believe that culture is as important a part of national resilience as the army, diplomacy or economy.
Accessibility
Accessibility
"New Code" should be accessible to everyone — regardless of the way of perception and language.
Audio Description
- Season 1
- Season 2
English Version
- Dubbing (Season 1)
- Subtitles (Season 2)
Press
Press
The stories of “New Code” go beyond the screen — into media, public conversations and international cultural space.
Screenings
Screenings
"New Code" can be seen online and at special screenings. Follow the announcements or invite the project to your city, festival or event.
Invite the project