Presented by Ukrainian Institute London, the 2024 Ukrainian Film Festival is bringing Ukrainian cinema to Soho. Its theme, 'Reflections', speaks to notions of self-reflection and self-determination - particularly salient concerns for a country under attack. “As the people of Ukraine continue to fight for their freedom and defend democratic values, continues to be given a place on international cultural platforms,” says historian Olesya Khromeychuk, the Director of the Ukrainian Institute London.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever to explore .” It’s with this imperative in mind that the Institute has crafted the programme for Reflections, which brings together landmarks of the country’s cinematic history and trailblazing names from Ukraine's contemporary film scene – many of whom will be in London to speak with audiences at Q&A sessions. Central to the celebration of Ukrainian film will be marking the 130th anniversary of the birth of Oleksandr Dovzhenko – considered by many to have been among the world's greatest film directors – by screening his 1930 poetic masterpiece , accompanied by a contemporary score crafted by acclaimed Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha.
Other highlights include Volodymyr Sydko’s documentary (2024), which follows a Ukrainian woman as she puts her business on hold to transport the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers; Maryna Er Gorbach’s drama (2022), portraying the catastrophe of the downing of Malaysian flight MH17 over the D.
