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From Ireland to Ukraine to the Oscars race

Irish director Gar O'Rourke discusses his feature debut documentary, Sanatorium, recently selected as Ireland's entry in the International Feature Film category for next year's Oscars.

Movies • 1 min

Sanatorium - a vivid look at Ukrainian life in wartime

'Wellness in a warzone' is the elevator pitch of the year - and you really should consider booking a short stay, because Sanatorium is one of the most beguiling films of 2025.

Movie Review • 22 mins

Behind the music - Death Pill

Ukrainian riot grrrl trio Death Pill have released their new single, Craterface, from their forthcoming album, Sologamy. We asked Mariana Navrotska (guitar and lead vocals) of the band the BIG questions . . .

Behind the Music • 17 May

Michael Douglas meets Ukrainian President Zelensky

Hollywood star Michael Douglas has hailed Volodymyr Zelensky as an "inspiration" as he sat down with the Ukrainian President to discuss the ongoing war against Russia.

Ukraine • 16 Sep 24

Shy: Look! She's on the roof! Photo credit: Oleksandr Ostrohliad

Behind the music - Shy

Dublin-based, Ukrainian singer-songwriter Shy has released her new single, On The Roof. We asked here the BIG questions . . .

Behind the Music • 27 Jul 24

An image of the AI-generated Vladimir Putin. Photo credit: Patryk Vega

Movie featuring an AI-generated Putin set for release

A new movie featuring an AI-rendered Vladimir Putin and promising "a detailed analysis of the Russian leader's life and psyche over 60 years" is to be released this September.

Movies • 23 Apr 24

Stephen Fry had 'instant connection' with Zelensky

Stephen Fry said he had a "terrific talk" with President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to the war-torn Ukraine.

Ukraine • 08 Sep 23

17-yearold Kristina Bondarenko (right), from Ukraine, who learned Irish dancing in her native Odessa before fleeing the war after taking part in a class with members of the Riverdance troupe at the Rathmines Ukrainian Community Centre in Dublin

Riverdance stars pass on tips to dancers from Ukraine

Ukrainian refugees who have found a love for Irish dancing since moving to Dublin were treated to a lesson of a lifetime when Riverdance stars dropped in to pass on some tips.

Entertainment • 30 Aug 23

Roger Waters says Nazi-style outfit was anti-fascist

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has spoken out after police in Berlin opened an investigation into a costume he wore when he performed in the German capital.

Music • 27 May 23

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest airs on RTÉ One, RTÉ 2FM and the RTÉ Player on Saturday from 8pm

Eurovision, Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know

The 67th Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Liverpool this weekend after the UK was chosen to host on behalf of Ukraine. It is the first time that the competition has been held in the UK for 25 years - and Russia will not be competing.

Eurovision • 12 May 23

Australia celebrate winning a spot in the Eurovision grand final

Eurovision finalists decided as Zelensky speech blocked

Poland, Australia and Cyprus have qualified for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest as it emerged Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has been blocked from making an address.

Eurovision • 12 May 23

Veronika Yasynska is working to promote Ukrainian traditions, food and music at this year's Eurovision song contest

Refugee using Eurovision to show 'what Ukraine is like'

A Ukrainian refugee who fled her home with just a rucksack is now promoting her nation's culture in Liverpool amid the Eurovision Song Contest to showcase "what Ukraine actually looks like".

Eurovision • 10 May 23

Beatles Statue draped in traditional Ukrainian clothing

The Beatles Statue in Liverpool has been dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Beatles Statue • 06 Apr 23

Ukraine says Top Gun's Oscar noms should be reviewed

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has called on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to "review the eligibility" of Top Gun: Maverick for this year's Oscars, due to the film's alleged ties with a Russian oligarch.

oscars • 07 Mar 23

What's on? 10 top TV and streaming tips for Monday

Super Agers looks at the positive aspects of ageing, some dodgy dealings in the tea world are revealed in a Panorama special, it's semi-finals time on Only Connect, and corrupt cop drama Better continues . . .

Television • 20 Feb 23

Russkaja, pictured performing in Austria last year

Ska-punks Russkaja split up over safety fears

The cult Austrian ska-punk band Russkaja, surfing Soviet nostalgia in Vienna for two decades, have announced they are splitting up over safety fears following the war in Ukraine.

Music • 04 Feb 23

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool in May, 2023

Eurovision chief: Russia's ban from contest is hard

The Eurovision Song Contest's executive supervisor has said Russia's exclusion "was and still is" hard but that the event should stand for "the basic and ultimate values of democracy".

Eurovision 2023 • 30 Dec 22

Pussy Riot release Ukraine war protest song

Russian punk band Pussy Riot have released a new song in protest over the war in Ukraine and have called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be tried for his actions.

Music • 24 Dec 22

Nitin Sawhney, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Guy Pratt

Pink Floyd's Ukraine benefit song raises £500,000

Pink Floyd have thanked all those who supported their Ukrainian charity single Hey, Hey, Rise Up as they announced it has raised £500,000.

Music • 24 Dec 22

Abba star hopes Eurovision unites people around Ukraine

Bjorn Ulvaeus has said he hopes Eurovision 2023 unites people in Europe around Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia earlier this year.

Music • 13 Dec 22

Sean Penn gives Ukrainian president one of his Oscars

Sean Penn has given one of his Oscars to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky as a "symbol of faith" in the country's conflict with Russia.

Movie • 09 Nov 22

Rod Stewart - "It just makes me want to do more. I am thinking of getting another house now and getting a lot more people over"

Rod Stewart renting a home for Ukrainian refugees

Rod Stewart has said he is using the "power" of his knighthood in the UK to help others, after renting a home for a family of seven Ukrainian refugees.

Music • 18 Oct 22

Scotland responds to Liverpool's Eurovision host win

Nicola Sturgeon has said she is "gutted for Glasgow" after Liverpool was chosen to welcome next year's Eurovision song contest.

Eurovision Song Contest • 07 Oct 22

Listen to Eamon Carr's new poem about Ukraine

Looking for some stimulation this weekend? Horslips legend Eamon Carr's War Cabinet, Sinnott's Bar, Dublin should get you thinking.

Music • 01 Oct 22

Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy

Glasgow and Liverpool in running to host Eurovision

Figures in Glasgow and Liverpool have expressed their excitement as the cities were announced as the final two in contention to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Television • 27 Sep 22