The festival opened with “Fragments of Ice” by Mariia Stoianova, a moving documentary that delves into Ukraine’s transition to independence from the Soviet Union, told through private family video footage. The closing event on October 27 features “Nice Ladies” by Mariia Ponomarova, followed by the presentation of the newly introduced Post-Production Award for Best Short Film. The jury includes prominent figures such as Mariette Rissenbeek, former director of the Berlinale, and filmmaker Isabelle Stever.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the Beyond the Shadows program, which commemorates the centenary of Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Parajanov, an iconic figure in world cinema. His restored masterpiece “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” is screened, accompanied by a live theatre performance featuring traditional Carpathian music, celebrating his contributions to Ukrainian poetic cinema​. Other notable films include “A Picture to Remember” by Olga Chernykh, which reflects on the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, interwoven with personal family stories.

In addition to film screenings, the festival also features panel discussions on topics such as disinformation and the role of cinema, organized in collaboration with the German Federal Agency for Civic Education. The event underscores the intersection of art and activism, positioning Ukrainian cinema as a platform for both cultural expression and political commentary, reflecting the resilience and creative spirit of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict​.

• - https://www.uffberlin.de/
• - https://www.tip-berlin.de/kino-stream/ukrainian-film-festival-berlin-2024-freiheit/
• - https://baf-berlin.de/blog/archives/6680-5.-Ukrainian-Film-Festival-Berlin-findet-im-Oktober-2024-statt.html
• - https://www.the-berliner.com/film/ukrainian-film-festival-berlin-2024/