Zelensky
An up-close portrait of artist-turned-politician Volodymyr Zelensky traces his path from television comedian to president of Ukraine at a moment when the country sought inspiring leadership. Drawing on archival footage, television clips, and interviews with longtime collaborators, teachers, and colleagues, this French production follows Zelensky’s rise from a young performer in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rih to one of the most recognizable political figures of the 21st century. His sketches and television work often satirized oligarchs, abuse of power, and Russia’s influence in Ukrainian politics, reflecting widespread frustrations. Revisiting photographs and footage from his past, Zelensky reflects on a career in which the idealized characters he portrayed—ordinary Ukrainians confronting corruption and post-Soviet power—resonated beyond the screen with a nation ready for change. —Michelle Svenson
Director/s
Yves Jeuland
Yves Jeuland is the director of some 30 documentaries for television and cinema. His work alternates between direct cinema and archive films. He made a name for himself with the documentary series Paris à tout prix (2001), about the municipal election campaign in Paris. Among his films are Le président (2010), Charlie Chaplin, le génie de la liberté (2020), and All About Yves Montand (2021).
Lisa Vapné
Lisa Vapné makes her directorial debut with Zelensky (2025). She was an assistant director and translator on Gulag: The History (2020), and a translator on Poutine pour... toujours? (2016).