The Ukrainian short film “Together” about solitude and anxiety in self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has won numerous international awards.
The film was directed by Max Balter and tells the small, but gripping story of a woman who believes that someone is in her apartment. Marusia Ionova, who plays the leading role, appeals to her friend and a psychologist for help, but no one believes there is actually someone — or something — in her home.
The film won awards in the category “Best Horror” at the Paris Play Film Festival, New York Movie Awards and Florence Film Awards.
Moreover, at the Assurdo Film Festival, it received the “BEST VFX” award for best visual effects. The American Golden Picture International Film Festival gave it second honarable mention in the “Best Quarantine” film category.
“Together” also took honorable mentions in the categories “Horror,” “Actress” and “Sound Design” at the Venice Film Awards.
“Basically our production company, Balter Films, shoots commercial orders, advertising and music videos. But during the quarantine, all projects were stopped, and this gave us the opportunity to be creative – (and make) the short film “Together.” When we started work on the film, we didn’t think about participating in festivals. The main goal was to make a quality product and have a new experience,” says Max Balter.
