The renowned French filmmaker and Oscar winner Michel Hazanavicius has released his new book “Ukrainian Diaries”.

Michel Hazanavicius: A New Book About Ukrainian Heroes

This publication, resulting from his travels to Ukraine in 2023, is a collection of stories and sketches of real Ukrainian heroes – both defenders and civilians fighting for freedom every day. All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Ukraine through the UNITED24 platform.

The book is written in French and features original illustrations by the author. “Ukrainian Diaries” showcases portraits of diverse individuals: students, artists, and entrepreneurs who have become soldiers for the sake of their country’s future.

What is in Michel Hazanavicius' “Ukrainian Diaries”

Through his sketches, drawings, and short essays, the director aimed to convey the humanity, pain, and strength of people caught in the epicenter of the fight for freedom. During his travels in Ukraine, Hazanavicius met many war heroes, including Ukrainian actor Vasyl Kukhar, who suffered severe injuries at the front and later died, and singer and military man Kolya Serga, who became the director's guide into the realities of Donbas.

The idea for the book was born after meeting with the severely injured Kukhar.

“Most of those I met were ordinary people who never imagined themselves at war. I don’t know who is alive today, but I know for sure that we owe them”, Hazanavicius shares.

The director consciously chose a personal diary format and drawings to avoid breaking the trust of the heroes of his stories and not impose the presence of a camera in their most vulnerable moments.

By the end of April 2025, 9000 copies of this publication had already been sold. All proceeds from the sales are directed to UNITED24.