The first official trailer for the biopic "Malevich," directed by Daria Onyshchenko, has been released. The film will premiere on November 1 at the 53rd "Molodist" film festival. This biographical film about the life of the renowned avant-garde artist and founder of Suprematism, Kazimir Malevich, is a Ukrainian-Serbian-Italian-Swiss co-production.
The idea for the film originated from producer Anna Palenchuk, who collaborated with director Daria Onyshchenko on the script. The creative producer is art historian Tetyana Filevska, known for her books on Malevich. Producers include Marie Kael, Anna Palenchuk, and Daria Onyshchenko.
The plot covers the early career of the Kyiv-born avant-garde artist, from the pivotal "0.10" exhibition that marked a significant turning point in his rivalry with young constructivist Vladimir Tatlin, to his teaching at the Vitebsk Art School and work at the Art Institute.
The film depicts Malevich, at 53, daring to portray the horrors of the Holodomor, which he witnessed firsthand during expeditions to Ukrainian villages.
It also connects to the current Russian-Ukrainian war.
"For me, it's important to explain that this war isn't just Putin's war, but a centuries-long conflict. It's the ongoing imperialist ambition of Russia to eradicate Ukrainian identity and culture. Unfortunately, few foreigners know this," says Onyshchenko. The film's shooting took place during the full-scale invasion, leading the creators to incorporate more contemporary context.
Unlike a traditional biopic, "Malevich" doesn't follow a strict chronological order. The film is composed of several "squares," each depicting a significant period in the artist's life—a nod to Kazimir Malevich's extraordinary style.
The film's wide release is scheduled for spring 2025.
