From late November to early December, the Week of Ukrainian Film (Týden ukrajinského filmu) returns to cinemas in Prague and Brno for its seventh edition. The festival will showcase award-winning Ukrainian dramas and documentaries from the past three years, created despite the unprecedented wartime challenges Ukraine faces.
This carefully curated selection of films features stories marked by contemporary issues, the complex aftermath of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, and significant historical events that have shaped not only Ukraine but also Europe for decades—events that remain only partially understood. Despite difficult working conditions and financial limitations, Ukrainian filmmakers are finding ways to bring their country’s perspective on its past, present, and future to both domestic and international audiences.
In these challenging times, there is some positive news: foreign partners have continued their support for Ukrainian cinema, and the vast majority of films are international co-productions. Selected screenings will also feature guest appearances from the filmmakers.
“Ukrainian filmmakers want to speak to international audiences in their own language, presenting a uniquely Ukrainian view of the world and the events within it. But a full-length feature requires calm, time, money, and distance—all of which are denied to Ukrainian creators today. Instead, we’re seeing an explosion of highly engaging documentaries, well-suited to these times and circumstances. They are much more timely and relatable. This is why we decided to open this year’s festival with the documentary Odposlechy, which attracted attention and won an award at the Berlinale,” says festival dramaturge and Ukraine expert Lenka Víchová. She adds, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the British Council and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic for their continued support this year.”
The Week of Ukrainian Film is a project organized since 2017 by the non-profit organization RUTA, with support from the Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic. The British Council in the Czech Republic (Youth Connect Project) is the main partner of this year’s festival.
The festival will take place at Prague’s Atlas Cinema from 26 to 30 November, and selected films will be shown at Brno’s Art Cinema from 2 to 8 December. All films will be presented in their original language with Czech subtitles. You can find more information at www.ukrajinafilmfest.cz. Tickets for the Prague events are now on sale at GoOut.cz.
