Multi-Award-Winning Short Film Romchyk Screens in San Jose

By October 14, 2025Uncategorized

“Romchyk is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to heal and create beauty even in the darkest times. We’re thrilled to premiere it in San Jose,” said Marcella Cortland, Festival Coordinator.

Acclaimed short film Romchyk, about a Ukrainian boy who returns to ballroom dancing after being badly burned in a Russian missile strike, will screen on 17 October at the prestigious San Jose International Short Film Festival.

Romchyk reminds us of the terrible cost of war and has a strong political message but also shares a deeply moving story of hope and resilience, so it’s very special to see this resonating with film festival audiences internationally.

Alexis Bicât, Director

This Oscar-qualifying festival of world-class short films marks another milestone in Romchyk’s formidable festival run. It follows a historic double win at the recent Mansfield Town Film Festival in the UK where it won Best Director – for Alexis Bicât – and Best Student Short.

Romchyk, wearing his blue medical mask, ballroom dancing with a partner in a yellow dress
Romchyk returns to the dance floor in a scene from the film.
Pope Francis watching Romchyk on a laptop at a special screening at the Vatican
Pope Francis watched Romchyk at a special screening at the Vatican. Images courtesy of Goldsmiths, University of London.

“It was an honour to direct this film which is based on a true story,” said Alexis Bicât, director. “Romchyk reminds us of the terrible cost of war and has a strong political message but also shares a deeply moving story of hope and resilience, so it’s very special to see this resonating with film festival audiences internationally.”

Bicât also won an emerging filmmaker audience award at this year’s Cambria Film Festival, whilst at the Sunderland Shorts Festival, UK, Romchyk scooped another win in the best emerging category.

From the San Jose Red Carpet

Director Alexis Bicât stopped by the SJSFF red carpet to talk about making Romchyk:

Bill Hargreaves

Author Bill Hargreaves

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