Jubilee Odessa Film Festival 15: Nostalgia and hope in Kyiv

The anniversary 15th Odesa International Film Festival, which is taking place in Kyiv this year, started the other day. Despite the nostalgia for Odessa, the festival united guests from all over the world in the heart of Ukraine.

Nostalgia for home: Victoria Tihipko about Odessa

"I remember 2014. The war started. We held our festival in Odesa. And it was really difficult, the mood was gloomy, " festival president Victoria Tigipko shares from the stage.

This year, the Odesa Opera gave way to the "Parkovy" conference hall in Kyiv, and although without the red carpet and seaside vibe, the festival continues to live and provide a platform for Ukrainian cinema.

Honorary Golden Duke for Mike Figgis

At the opening ceremony, British director and screenwriter Mike Figgis was awarded an honorary Golden Duke for his contribution to world cinema. Mike noted:

"Cinema is not only a weapon, but also a healing medicine. It is perhaps the most important art form today."

Competition programs and festival jury

The festival continues to surprise with its competitive programs. This year, the jury will evaluate ten Ukrainian films in the National Competition Program and 11 European films in the European Program. The jury consists of well-known directors, producers and film critics from different countries.

War does not stop art: Anna Macuch's important words

The general director of the festival, Anna Machuh, expressed her confidence in the indomitability of Ukrainian filmmakers:

"Our cinematographers continue to shoot Ukrainian films, and we continue to hold film festivals - under fire, without light, in conditions of limited resources, with constant anxiety for each of our guests, but we continue."

Hoping to return to Odessa

The festival continues despite the difficulties, and its participants and guests do not lose hope of returning to their native Odessa next year. This jubilee OMCF became a symbol not only of artistic strength, but also of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova