Boy burned in Ukraine air strike inspires ballroom film
The film was the brainchild of Kostiantyn Bidnenko, who proposed making a short piece about Roman to his fellow Goldsmiths MA students.It examines the boy's recovery and attempts to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional dancer."I saw a news article about what happened to Roman," Mr Bidnenko said. "For me he became a symbol of all children who suffer because of war."
Lara Kozah, who was also part of the student production team, said: "It was a challenge to convincingly transform London into Ukraine for the filming. "We used a nearby park for the outdoor scenes. We repurposed a classroom for the hospital scenes. "We built a bedroom in a studio from scratch."A local Ukrainian society helped them cast the actors.
They met the Pope to show him the film during the Vatican's International Summit on Children's Rights in early February.Ms Kozah said it was a "surreal experience" and an honour. "The Holy Father really engaged with the film. "We want to show this story worldwide to show people what the real consequences of war are for children."
Romchyk won an award at the Cambria Film Festival in California, and is being entered into other international short film festivals.Kostiantyn said: "The biggest award for me is that Roman and his father really liked this film and the careful way we handled his story."Additional reporting by Clifford Thompson
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Daily Mail
a few seconds ago
- Daily Mail
Glamorous former tennis star makes rare public appearance after remarkable recovery from health scare
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Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe theatre reviews: Bog Body
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... THEATRE Bog Body The Vault at Paradise in The Vault (Venue 29) until 24 August ★★★★☆ For those still navigating the murky waters of modern dating, Itchy Feet Theatre's solo show Bog Body feels intensely relatable. The wedding dress-wearing protagonist Petra, played by Maddie White, repeatedly implores the audience not to judge her atypical choice of husband – 'There's no normal ones left!' – and we don't, chuckling along knowingly at her wry, stand-up comedy-style confessions and crowd work. 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Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Great British Bake Off 2025 contestants and show start date revealed
The hit Channel 4 series is hoping to rise to the occasion again with another batch of great cakes and bakes A JIU-JITSU blue belt and a drag king on wheels are among the new Great British Bake Off hopefuls. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will lead the bakers through 30 challenges, set by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, in the upcoming series which starts on September 2 on Channel 4. Here are this year's baking dozen and some of them have all the ingredients to go all the way. Name: Nataliia Age: 32 Lives in: East Yorkshire Job: Office Assistant About: Born in Ukraine, Nataliia was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. She loves to use these recipes to this day and also infuses classic British bakes with flavours inspired by her roots such as honey, poppy seeds and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nataliia moved to the UK with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out. Her family followed shortly after as refugees and they now all live in East Yorkshire with their 3 year old daughter, Francesca. Quote: 'I married my husband in Kyiv. It was such a beautiful, emotional day — full of love, family, and hope for the future. The sun was shining, the city felt alive, and I remember thinking, 'This is the beginning of everything. If I were to bake a cake inspired by that day, it would be delicate and romantic — layers of honey and sour cream sponge (like a Kyiv-style Medovyk) with hints of lemon and elderflower. I'd decorate it with pressed flowers and sugar lace to reflect Ukrainian patterns. It would be a celebration of love, heritage, and new beginnings - just like that day." Age: 38 Lives in: London Job: Senior Systems Architect About: Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago. He is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair. Always experimenting, he's currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes. After a long day of application planning at work, Aaron channels his creative side into baking, sewing and making his own liqueurs such as amaretto and limoncello. Quote: 'I'd actually begun to feel I wouldn't get on the show. My reaction was quite calm mainly because I'd been to that stage before and didn't want to get too excited - a lot can change between that call and filming. I was at home working when I got the call. Anthony was eavesdropping and crying before I even got a chance to tell him.' Age: 30 Lives in: South Yorkshire Job: Analytical Research & Development Scientist About: Chemistry graduate Hassan lives with his mum in South Yorkshire. He works in the pharmaceutical industry, testing new drugs in their development stages. As a scientist, Hassan takes an analytical approach to baking, researching processes thoroughly before getting started on a new recipe. He is always looking to learn about new flavours and gaining new skills. Quote: 'I think my strengths as a baker are my flavours and overall creativity. I think some of the things I'm good at being creative with flavour combos, having ideas and using different unique ingredients.' Age: 29 Lives in: Belfast Job: Software Engineer About: Originally from Coleraine, Iain lives in Belfast with his girlfriend Dervla and their cat, Viktor. A former amateur powerlifter Iain now lifts dough instead of weights. Iain mixes his love of live music with sourdough, immortalising album cover art on the crusts of his loaves. He blends classic flavours with a creative twist, often using fermented fruits and vegetables to enhance the depth and complexity of his flavours. Quote: 'I feel as though I'm a pretty creative baker, and I love to tell a story with my bakes. I've been told by a lot of people that my style is very unique, and I know that's what people say when they don't want to say something looks bad, but I'll take it anyway! Anything that requires something to look cool or fun is perfect for me, and I love to take risks and have a bit of a laugh with my bakes.' Age: 23 Lives in: London Job: Medical Student About: Born and raised in Edinburgh, Jasmine now lives with her cousins in London while she completes her medical degree. She learnt the basics of bread and cakes through her Mum and aunts, and has fond memories of batch baking for big family get-togethers during holidays in the Scottish Highlands. Baking has become her creative outlet, and she likes nothing better than using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create classic flavour combinations. Quote: 'The tent was a lot smaller than I had imagined. I remember feeling so nervous walking to my bench for the first time. I was really happy that I was in the middle, I felt like I had a safety net of other bakers around me (to protect me).' Name: Jessika Age: 32 Lives in: London Job: Service Designer About: With backflips as bold as her bakes, Jessika is a gymnastic, roller-skating Drag King whose creations are as vibrant as her personality. Gifting bakes is her love language, and she'll spend months gathering information about her friends' tastes before surprising them with the perfect birthday entremet. Raised in Cornwall, Jessika has fond memories of eating corner-shop cakes with her sister after dance classes, which solidified her sweet tooth. Quote: 'Meeting Alison and Noel for the first time was absolutely wild. They're both so cheeky and always up to no good. Having them around was such a delight; while they're definitely a nuisance, they brought a comforting, joyous energy to the tent that made everything feel a little less overwhelming.' Name: Leighton Age: 59 Lives in: Surrey Job: Software Delivery Manager About: With a mathematical mind, Leighton is guided in both life and baking by the approach that 'anything can be done with a formula'. Originally from Swansea, proud Welshman Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him 'boys don't bake'! He grew up playing the organ at his local church and now lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric and their Irish Terrier, Cilla. Quote: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd actually get into the Bake Off tent. I know everyone says that, but it's true! I absolutely love baking—all kinds, all styles—and I'm very much a weekend baker who bakes for friends, family, and my work colleagues. It's always been a passion, but I never imagined it would lead me to the tent.' Name: Lesley Age: 59 Lives in: Kent Job: Hairdresser About: Lesley's been a hairdresser for 45 years and the clients that come to her salon always expect a lovely slice of cake along with their trim. Despite a love for classic old-school bakes, it's never the 'same old' with her modern and fun designs. Lesley has high hopes for her Granddaughter Mabel, who she expects to be able to do a curly blow-dry and bake a batch of cookies by the time she is 5. Living with her partner Mark and two dogs, Norman and Marley, Lesley loves birdwatching, gardening and a seaside walk followed by fish and chips. She's been baking since the age of 10, inspired by Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan, who taught her the basics and sparked a lifelong passion. Quote: 'I didn't realise how hard the food team works behind the scenes to make sure you have everything you need for the bakes and how supportive and lovely they all are. That is never seen in the show.' Age: 41 Lives in: Liverpool Job: Hairdresser About: Blending Indian and Italian flavours with Scouse spirit, Nadia is a chatterbox bringing warmth and laughter into to every room whether it's her home salon, the dance floor, or the kitchen! Inspired by her Italian chef dad, she brings rustic charm and soulful flavours to everything she bakes. Nadia lives in a lively Liverpool home with her partner Daniel and daughters Rosa-Bella and Maria. Sundays are sacred 'feast days,' filled with homemade pasta, roasts, and always a pud. A hairdresser, baker, and former personal trainer, Nadia channels her endless energy into novelty cakes, creative twists on classics, and kitchen dance breaks. Quote: "The first time I actually saw the tent it felt surreal like it was not really there and I was not really there but it was even more beautiful in person. 'If I had to make a cake of my happiest day it would be on a tropical beach with my family.' Age: 51 Lives in: Essex Job: Bridal Designer About: From runways and veils to ovens and scales, perfectionist Pui Man brings the attention to detail of designing a wedding dress to each of her bakes. Born in Hong Kong and now living in Essex with her husband and two children, Pui Man rediscovered baking during lockdown and hasn't looked back. Her bakes are as beautiful as they are bold, and she practices endlessly to make sure her creations are as close to perfection as possible. Always thinking of others, Pui Man volunteers three evenings a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it within her community. Quote: 'I dreamed about myself in the tent all the time and I dreamed about meeting some ex bakers all the time. I was at home when I got the phone call from one of the team, and I was shocked because I had applied 4 times and no success in the past.' Age: 29 Lives in: Warwickshire Job: Business Development Executive About: Toby is a country boy at heart and grew up in the seaside town of Sidmouth with his three siblings. Currently three years in to his 'six month' home DIY renovation project, Toby and his girlfriend Syd now live in Warwickshire with their rescue dog Bex. Working for a fitness start-up, he is often out and about at events and meeting potential clients. He has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his training partner loves refuelling after a gruelling session on the mats with his strawberry cheesecake. Quote: 'I was absolutely terrified at the first judging. I was up first so had absolutely no idea how it was going to go or how it would make me feel. The time spent waiting to be judged felt like an eternity and I was so glad to get it out of the way!' Name: Tom Age: 31 Lives in: London Job: Creative Entrepreneur About: Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny. As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him. Now, a member of two queer sports teams and with a boyfriend of three years, the game may be up. Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, he's recently reconnected with his first love, food, and brings a creative flair to his beautifully presented bakes. Tom grew up in a food obsessed family and when not working you can find him fishing for Sea Bass with his brother, foraging for mushrooms and cooking roasts with his dad. Quote: 'It feels so bizarre. You've seen this place on your TV for the last 15 years and now suddenly we are the ones walking into it. I think lining up to do the first walk in was the first moment I realised that WE were the 12 people that were actually going to be on the show."
