Alisa Kovalenko

Alisa Kovalenko, born on September 24, 1987, in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, is a distinguished documentary filmmaker known for her compelling storytelling and unique perspectives. She honed her craft at the Karpenko-Kary University of Cinema in Kyiv and furthered her education at the Andrzej Wajda Cinema School in Warsaw.

Kovalenko gained recognition with her debut feature documentary, "Alisa in Warland," which premiered at the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in 2015, competing in the First Appearance category. Her subsequent work, "Home Games," also showcased at IDFA, garnered widespread acclaim, being featured in over 120 film festivals. This film marked a significant milestone as it became the first creative documentary from Ukraine to be acquired by Netflix.

In 2019, Kovalenko's contributions to the film industry were acknowledged when she became a member of the European Film Academy (EFA). Additionally, she plays a vital role in the film community as a programmer for the documentary competition at the Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival.

In a remarkable display of patriotism and courage, Kovalenko joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in March 2022, fighting for her country amidst the ongoing conflict. Her journey reflects not only her artistic talent but also her unwavering commitment to her homeland.