Video mapping, exhibits, and films: Prague marks one year since Ukraine invasion

Czech charity People In Need is holding a series of events this week to mark one year since Russia’s widescale invasion of Ukraine, the organization writes in a press release. Those interested can see video mapping, film screenings, debates, and exhibitions in Prague.

The building of the Interior Ministry, which is next to Letná park, will feature a light projection that aims to convey the mood of living in a country under attack.

People In Need has chosen Letná Plain as a place where people can congregate to see the light projection.

A second light projection will be displayed nearby and will feature a “time loop that will show the misery, destruction, and devastation that the people of Ukraine have been facing for a year,” said People in Need. The loop will be projected among trees.

Several Czech theaters – such as the Prague National Theater – will organize special evenings featuring Ukrainian guests and screen Ukrainian films, ČTK reports. Some will also illuminate their buildings in the style of a Ukrainian flag. At Václav Havel Square (beside the National Theater) people are due to sing the Ukrainian national anthem on Thursday at 6 p.m.

The Prague Světozor cinema and the Prague Langhans Center will also hold exhibitions mapping the war in Ukraine. 

Světozor will Thursday also hold a talk on the Ukraine-Russia war featuring the director of People In Need, wherein guests will discuss the role of Russian propaganda in fueling the conflict.

At 4 p.m. on the same day, Oscar-nominated documentary A House Made of Splinters will be shown at Světozor. It portrays the atmosphere in a Ukrainian orphanage near the ongoing conflict. A debate on the status of child refugees in and outside of Ukraine will follow; registration via e-mail is needed.

The Langhans Center will from Thursday hold a virtual-reality gallery by artist Alberto Lores, showing the gradual deterioration of the situation in Ukraine. The exhibition will be held in Vodičkova street in Prague’s center.

A rally outside the Ukrainian embassy preceded by a concert will also take place this Saturday. Speakers will include President-elect Petr Pavel and new British ambassador to Czechia, Matthew Field. The Million Moments for Democracy group has organized a march that, en route to the Ukrainian embassy, will pass by the Russian embassy.