Weaving ( Work in progress. Sign in to watch)
About Weaving (free to watch until Oct. 5)
The 11-minute Short documentary Weaving follows artist Ludmila Christeseva in Stockholm as she leads Ukrainian refugee women in collaborative textile workshops. What began as creative relief in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion has grown into a “Solidarity Sisterhood,” where weaving becomes both tradition and transformation. The film captures how these projects foster healing, resilience, and self-determination—turning trauma into strength, community, and a shared vision of peace. The film is expected to officially launch in November 2025.
Film Director: Hsuan Yu Pan
Email: help.panvideo@gmail.com for screening inquiry
Featured Artist: Ludmila Christeseva
Email: ludmila@artten.se for workshop & art activities inquiry
Review: WEAVING AND SPRING BREEZE, TAIWAN
Ludmilla & Hsuan Talkback with Filmshop
Event Recap: Film Shop Talkback with
Ludmilla Christeseva & Hsuan Yu Pan
Healing Arts Week, UNGA, NYC 2025
Link to Full Transcription （EN/中）
New York, Governors Island – Film Shop House
Following the fine cut screening of Weaving, Film Shop hosted a conversation with artist Ludmila Christeseva, joining from Sweden, and filmmaker Hsuan Yu Pan, moderated by Albert Beniada, Executive Director of Filmshop.
Collaboration and Origins
Ludmila, a Belarusian-Swedish artist and humanitarian, has worked with refugee women since the war began. Her weaving and upcycling projects offer healing and purpose. In New York, she met Hsuan, who was inspired by her work, leading to a collaboration that grew from exhibitions in Stockholm into a documentary film.
Hsuan explained how his earlier work with Syrian refugee women in New York connected to Ludmila’s practice. “Documentary is my way of sharing these stories—showing how everyday acts like weaving or baking can create resilience,” he said.
Art as Resistance and Healing
The talk explored how discarded materials—like men’s ties remade into roses or unused Swedish apples baked into pies—become symbols of love and solidarity. Ludmila noted that the roses, worn close to the heart, express warmth and care in wartime.
Audience members were deeply moved. One mother recalled the line, “I did not raise my son to go to war.” Another participant praised the creativity of turning waste into meaningful art.
Continuing the Work
Ludmila continues to lead projects in Stockholm, engaging both women and men, while partnering with cultural institutions. Her work now includes collaborations with Turkish students and artists, where film students and sound designers volunteered on the documentary.
Closing Reflections
The event emphasized art’s transformative role in times of crisis. “It’s a luxury to make art—but also essential,” Ludmila said. “Through art and crafts, we weave together peace, ecology, and community.”
Albert closed by thanking Ludmila and Hsuan for their generosity and vision, and extended an open invitation to Ludmila to join the Film Shop House on Governors Island.
