Polina Herman

HOMO DEUS. Divine Human (2021)
Drama by UP UA STUDIO / Yula Deglina Producer HOMO DEUS is a short narrative film that tells the story of one day in the life of young Nazar, Ulya and Ilya. Ulya and Nazar climb on the roof to have sex and spot a man about to jump down. They rescue the guy who is under the influence of psychotropic drugs. Ulya insists on not leaving Ilya in this condition and Nazar is forced to go along. They spend the next twenty four hours, taking care of the guy. That day changes the lives of all three of them forever.

Broken (2021)
Drama by UP UA STUDIO / Solomiia Tomashchuk Producer BROKEN is a short narrative film about returning to normal life after war, and if it’s even possible. You can walk away from a war, but it will forever leave an imprint on your life. The main characters return to their previously familiar lives – work, family and children. But they are broken – the war has broken them. They struggle to find their place in the civilian world and feel like outsiders. The story is based on contradictions such as the reluctance to return to everyday routine and the fear to return to the war zone; or the need for support vs. the fear of appearing vulnerable; the search for lost femininity, and not recognizing one’s weakness. These issues are raised in the dialogue between the two strangers who meet in a suburban minibus.

The Salt of the Sea (2020)
Drama by UP UA STUDIO / Snizhana Gusarevych Producer During the live broadcast of the game "Dog High" on Instagram, fourteen-year-old Liza's twin sister dies in front of her eyes. Her parents send Liza to her grandmother, who lives in a small town by the sea. The girl tries to forget the tragic events and find friends at her new school, but she becomes the target of bullying by a girl named Marina and her friends. Lisa starts a romantic relationship with her classmate Max, who suggests that they keep in touch on Instagram. The girl begins to communicate on Instagram with "white_k," who, along with the sea, becomes her only friend and invites Lisa to cross the line and become salt to the sea. After another night with Marina and the company, Lisa makes the most important decision of her life.

Khalepa na 5 Baksiv (2018 - 2019)
Film by UP UA STUDIO / Miroslav Latyk Producer The film’s protagonist, the slick little crook Hamster, along with his friends Max and Zenik, founders of the startup 5BAKSIV.NET, are considered the prime suspects in the murder. Investigators must find answers. But there is a “mole” among them and for him, the investigation is just a cover for another operation. The main characters find themselves in the middle of a showdown between unknown law enforcement officers and a local kingpin, who are hunting for the key evidence, a flashcard, which has a video of a state crime. And when it seems that all is lost and life is over, the Hamster gets an audacious idea.

In Joy (2018)
Drama by UP UA STUDIO / Maryna Roshchyna Producer It’s a psychological drama about a young single mother who has to choose between her personal life and her responsibility to her child. The main roles in the film are played by non-professional actors. Katya is a young single mother. She falls in love with a guy but hesitates to tell him that she has a son. The relationship is rapidly evolving, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to confess. She faces a choice between her personal life and her responsibility to her child. Awards: Best Ukrainian Short Film at the Molodist International Film Festival 2019 Best Ukrainian short film at the OIFF in 2018