UK cinemas are uniting in support of Ukraine with a series of preview charity screenings of Olga.

The Poly Falmouth will be showing Olga this evening (Thursday 24th) - a new film about a young female Ukrainian gymnast forced to train in exile.

From each ticket sold, a donation will be made to support Ukraine, with cinemas nominating which charity receives the donations on their behalf.

The previews are a result of a partnership with 606 Distribution and the BFI Film Audience Network, with support from the UK Cinema Association.

Olga is the directorial debut of Elie Grappe and held its World Premiere in International Critics' Week at the Cannes Film Festival 2021 where it won the SACD Award. The film received its UK Premiere as part of the Glasgow Film Festival earlier this week.

Since last week, preview screenings have been taking place in over 400 cinemas.

Set in 2013, Olga tells the story of a 15-year-old Ukrainian gymnast training for the European Championship in preparation for the Olympics, who is forced to move to Switzerland from her home in Kyiv where her mother works as an investigative journalist reporting on the Euromaidan protests. Lead actress Anastasia Budiashkina is a former member of Ukraine's national gymnastics team.

Olga's lead actress, Anastasia Budiashkina, arrived in Poland on Monday after leaving Kharkiv in Ukraine to escape the war. She says:

"I am very glad that Olga will be seen in the UK, and people will see the situation going on with Ukraine. Everyone involved with Olga worked very hard, and I put a part of myself into the film. I hope everyone will enjoy Olga."

Pat Kelman, Director of 606 Distribution, added:

"Once word started to spread, it became clear that we needed help to make this event happen. I am hugely grateful to BFI Distribution for coming in and supplying technical and marketing assistance. I am overwhelmed by the massive support the film distribution and exhibition community are showing for this project, and I hope we see full houses across the nation in support of Ukraine."

The film will be showing at The Poly this evening from 7:30pm until 9pm.

Click here to get your tickets.

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