Poster for OXYGEN STATION, directed by Ivan Tymchenko, AFIN 2025

AFIN 2025 · Feature Film

OXYGEN STATION

Directed by Ivan Tymchenko

Nominee Best Art Direction

Nominee Best Cinematography · Thomas Stokowski

Nominee Best Feature Film · Svitlana Soloviova

Type
Feature Film
Country
Ukraine
Runtime
1h 46m 27s
Self-rated
PG content guide

Synopsis

1980, USSR, Crimean Tatar activist Mustafa Jemilev, exiled to the remote settlement of Zyryanka in Siberia, is forced to work at an oxygen station. Mustafa, who had been exiled as a child from his homeland of Crimea, continues to fight for the rights of his people, despite being imprisoned for 303 days after a hunger strike. The prosecutor, Ehor Shalandin, sees Mustafa as a threat to the Soviet regime and travels to Zyryanka to eliminate him.

Amidst this, Crimean Tatar woman Safinar, inspired by Mustafa’s resilience, leaves everything behind to meet him and bring him support and love. When a journalist is murdered in Zyryanka, Mustafa is accused, but his fight for freedom remains unbroken. In this tense struggle, the battle between oppressive state power and the unyielding human spirit is set to ignite, proving that the true freedom lies within.

Director's Biography

Ivan Tymchenko was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, into a family of artists—his father is a renowned cinematographer, and his grandparents were painters. Ivan began his career as a photojournalist and commercial photographer before transitioning to filmmaking in 2009. He initially worked as a Director of Photography (DOP), later taking on the role of directing DOP, and eventually becoming a director.

His debut feature, Beshoot (2019), a war action drama, was released in Ukraine and gained international acclaim. Ivan’s second feature, Oxygen Station (2023), premiered in the official competition at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and won a Special Jury Mention for Best Director at the Odesa International Film Festival. The film continues its successful festival run.

Official laurels

Downloadable AFIN laurels for this film's recognition, for posters, trailers and press kits.