CHERUBIM
The documentary project «VARTA» presents the first short film novella «CHERUBIM».
Duration: 20 min
Theme: Army Aviation / Helicopter Pilots
Premiere: June 2023
Purpose: Film festivals, curated screenings
Synopsis
The first episode, CHERUBIM, tells the story of the heroes of the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson.”
Helicopter pilots defended Kyiv, fought fierce battles in Irpin and southern Ukraine, carried out missions at Azovstal, and took part in the operation to liberate Snake Island.
In February 2022, russia possessed significantly more modern combat aircraft, while Ukrainian pilots were accomplishing the impossible in the sky using helicopters that were over forty years old. The 11th Separate Brigade defended the southern direction and stopped enemy armored columns.
It was only thanks to the courage and determination of Ukraine’s defenders that the country managed to protect its airspace and force enemy aviation out of the skies over Ukraine.
Hero stories
Birdie — Mi-8 pilot
11th Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson”
Max — Mi-24 pilot
11th Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson”
Army aviation crew member
11th Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson”
Stills gallery
Behind the scenes
CHERUBIM was filmed in real operational conditions, alongside an active combat aviation unit.
The filming process took place during an ongoing war, with the crew working under constant security restrictions, limited access, and rapidly changing circumstances. Many scenes were captured between missions, during short windows of safety, or immediately after combat flights.
The filmmakers had no possibility to stage events or interfere with military operations. The camera followed reality as it unfolded — preparation, waiting, fatigue, and rare moments of calm between sorties.
Some footage was recorded at significant personal risk. Decisions about what could be filmed and shown were made together with the unit, prioritizing safety and operational security.
CHERUBIM is not a reconstruction.
It is a direct observation of life and work inside a military aviation unit during wartime.
Awards & media mentions
FILM DETAILS
DIRECTOR
EVGEN BROOKS @about_brooks
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
MARIANA SHAFRO
EDIT BY
MARK SHUST @mark.shust
DIRECTOR ASSISTANT
SOFIIA CHAIKOVSKA @sofikoo
MUSIC COMPOSER
IGOR KIRILENKO @igor64kbps
COO
YULIIA BYRLAD @2b.julia
PHOTOGRAPHER
MARIANA SHAFRO
COSTUME DESIGNER
OLENKA DIDYK @olenkadidyk
COSTUME DESIGNER ASSISTANT
MARGO KOZYNSKA @redkvitka
TECH EDITOR / MASTERING (CINEMA & TV)
MARK SHUST
COLOR GRADE
ARTEM VELYCHKOVSKYI @artveli.color
SOUND DIRECTOR
DMYTRO MOROZ
ORIGINAL MUSIC
GERDAN THEATRE @gerdantheatre
ANASTASIIA KOSTIUK
MORWAN @mmorwwan
GRAPHIC DESIGN
KRISTINA AZAD @kristinaazad
TRANSLATION
ILLIA NOVIKOV @end_of_metrium
DCP MASTERING
OLEKSANDR DZHELMACH
RENTAL STUDIO
PATRIOT RENTAL @patriotrental
ACCOUNTANT
NIKITA RYBKA @mykytarybka
CAST
REBEKAH MACIOROWSKI @bekamaciorowskiïi
SOPHIA YANCHEVSKA @sophiayanchevska
OLENA SONTSESLAVA @sontseslava
DARIA NESTEROVA @kara.next
BRITTNEY SHKI-GIIZIS
MISHELLE KASPROVA @michelle_ka12
OLEXANDRA BATIY @alexbatiy
OLHA NOSYK
PUCHKOVSKA KHRYSTYNA (MIVINA) @babka_inside_
VALENTYNA NAHORNA (VALKIRIA)
DEN ZDRAVCHEV (DEN) @denisden5786
SPECIAL THANKS FOR SUPPORT
MIKE SHAFRO @ mishafro
YURIY PLESKACH @yuriypleskach
OLEXANDR BORODYN @olexandrbo
KYRYLO JOROV @zhorov_kyrylo
DANYLO MELNYKOV @danylo_melnykov
SVITLANA ZHOVNIRENKO @svitlana22061935
PAVLO ZHOVNIRENKO
IVAN HONCHAR MESEUM @honchar.museum
ТРЕТІЙ АРМІЙСЬКИЙ КОРПУС @ab3.army
Impact & screening history
Impact of the VARTA Project
VARTA is more than a film series — it is a living document of modern Ukrainian history.
Through cinematic storytelling, the project preserves the faces, voices, and personal stories of those who defend Ukraine today.
Since its launch, VARTA has reached wide audiences both in Ukraine and internationally, becoming a powerful cultural and humanitarian initiative.
Project Impact
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1,500,000+ views across digital platforms
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1,000,000+ UAH raised to support Ukrainian military units
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International premieres in Ukraine, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Latvia, and the United States
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Screenings, discussions, and panel talks with filmmakers, military experts, and heroes of the films
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Media coverage in leading Ukrainian and international outlets
Each screening of VARTA strengthens global awareness of the war in Ukraine and directly contributes to real support for those on the front lines.
How your support works
Your support turns cinema into action
VARTA is an independent documentary project created under real wartime conditions.
Every contribution directly supports both filmmaking and the people whose stories are told on screen.
How support is used
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Production of new documentary films and episodes
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Filming in frontline and military locations
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Editing, sound design, music, and post-production
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Subtitles and international distribution
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Organization of public screenings and discussions
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Direct financial assistance to Ukrainian military units featured in the films
Supporting VARTA means helping preserve historical truth, amplify authentic voices, and transform cultural work into tangible aid.
Ways to support
You can support VARTA in several ways
Donate
Make a one-time or recurring donation to help fund film production and military support initiatives.
Become a Partner
Support the project as a brand, organization, or foundation and become part of VARTA’s cultural and humanitarian mission.
Attend Screenings
Join public screenings, premieres, and discussions to help spread awareness and support the project’s visibility.
Share the Story
Watch, share, and recommend VARTA films on social media and digital platforms to reach wider audiences.
Collaborate
Media, cultural institutions, educational platforms, and festivals are welcome to collaborate on screenings and special events.
Every form of support helps ensure that these stories are told, remembered, and continued.