Sean Penn’s documentary on Russia-Ukraine conflict 'Superpower' to premiere at Berlinale 2023

Sean Penn's documentary on Ukraine, called 'Superpower', will premiere at this year's Berlinale (Berlin Film Festival), reported Associated Press. The documentary, made in association with VICE Studios, was being filmed in the country even as Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022. Penn was forced to flee the country and went on to joinUkrainians on the exodus across the Polish border. Penn has been a passionate supporter of Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainianconflict and has spoken several times against Vladimir Putin's aggression. He has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky his friend and even gifted him with one of his Oscar trophies. Penn is a two-time Academy Award winner.

As Penn presented the Oscar to Zelenskyy, he said, "This is for you. It's just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you then I'll feel better and stronger for the fight. When you win, bring it back to Malibu. I'll feel much better knowing a piece of me is here."

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Earlier this year, in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, Penn had praised Zelensky. He contrasted Zelensky's outlook before the Russian invasion and on the day of the invasion saying he felt he was in “the presence of something that was new to the modern world in terms of courage and dignity…. and love that comes out of the man.”

“This is an extraordinary moment. The way he has unified that country. And I think Mr Putin certainly paved the way for that. I was endlessly impressed and moved by him and terrified for him and for Ukraine,” Penn had added, on the verge of tears.

The Russo-Ukrainian War has claimed thousands of lives of combatants and civilians on both sides.