Chernobyl Journey

18 TBC

Chernobyl Journey is a work in progress, being shown as an unfinished piece to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster. On 26th April 1986, Reactor Number 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in NE Ukraine exploded. A meltdown followed that lasted many days before the blaze was brought under control. Smoke containing radioactive ash was blown all around Europe by prevailing winds. By 2nd May 1986, the city of Pripyat and all the towns and villages within a 30K distance from the power plant had been evacuated. This was designated the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, an area which remains uninhabitable due to high levels of radioactive contamination. In the late 1990s, a small herd of extremely rare Przewalski Horses were released into the Ukrainian part of the CEZ.

Chernobyl Journey is a mixed-media feature-length autobiographical documentary, featuring new hand-painted animation together with unique live-action footage from Sally's four trips to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone between 2009 and 2015 - journeys undertaken in search of rare Przewalski Horses, that become a journey into her own past.

A rare chance to see this extraordinary work in progress, due for completion in 2028. Sally Pearce, the director and animator, will be present to introduce the work and answer questions.

Sally Pearce gained an MA in Animation Direction from the National Film and TV School, UK, in 2008 and a PhD by Practice in the animation department of the University of Wolverhampton in 2024. Her animated and mixed media films have won many awards in UK and international film festivals.

Hosted in collaboration with Leeds Animation Workshop.