In this urgent special episode, host Kirk Nordenstrom speaks with Polish filmmaker Mirosław Olinksy, who is launching an Anti-War 48 Hour Film Project Initiative in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, the role of the global 48HFP community, and how filmmakers worldwide can use short films to spread hope, peace, and solidarity with both Ukrainians and Russians who oppose the war. The episode also highlights the spirit of Filmapalooza—a global family of filmmakers bound by creativity, compassion, and the drive to make an impact.
Welcome to a special edition of 48 Hour Heroes: Origin Stories.
Guest: Mirosław Olinksy – Filmmaker from Poland and organizer of the Anti-War 48HFP Initiative.
Highlights from this episode:
How the 48 Hour Film Project can serve as a platform for peace and solidarity.
The inspiration behind the Anti-War 48HFP, launched just days after the invasion of Ukraine.
The role of international filmmaking friendships formed at Filmapalooza in sparking global action.
Why filmmakers are uniquely positioned to create “ammunition of hope” through short, powerful films.
A look at the initiative’s kickoff elements:
Character: Man and woman
Prop: Water (because it is life)
Line of Dialogue: “Stop talking, just hug me.”
Stories of Polish families welcoming Ukrainian refugees and the reminder of our shared humanity.
A call for filmmakers around the world to contribute to an urgent message: Stop the war. Choose peace.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation about using creativity as resistance, and about how even small acts of art and kindness can ripple into something larger.