"Ukraine Sings": The 15th Odesa International Film Festival Presents a Special Programme

This programme showcases Ukrainian musical films that have already garnered acclaim at film festivals and from audiences. These are iconic films produced in the last decade, each with distinct meanings but united by a common thread—they highlight the immense talent of our nation.

The "Ukraine Sings" program includes the following films:

1. "Hutsulka Xenya," directed by Olena Demyanenko, 2018 The screenplay is based on the libretto of the operetta of the same name by Yaroslav Barnych. In 1938, former villagers who are now American immigrants arrive in the Carpathian village of Vorokhta, home to the beautiful Hutsulka Ksenya. They seek a bride for the young Yaro, who will inherit a million-dollar fortune if he marries a conscious Ukrainian. Two weeks remain before the annexation of Western Ukraine...
2. "Heat Singers," directed by Nadia Parfan, 2019 Ivan Vasyliovych has long headed the trade union of the Ivano-Frankivsk communal enterprise Teplokomunenergo. His opus magnum is the union choir, consisting of dispatchers, repairmen, locksmiths, and accountants. The union leader takes pride in the creative achievements of the workers but adheres to the principle "warmth for the people first, then singing." The heating season disrupts the rehearsal schedule as the team struggles to repair outdated communications while angry consumers flood the hotline. Can Ukrainian folk songs warm a cold radiator?
3. "Roses. Film-Cabaret," directed by Iryna Stetsenko, 2021 In the dressing room of the renowned Kyiv theater "Dakh," seven actresses conceived the project Dakh Daughters. In their debut solo show "Roses," they introduced the world to a modern interpretation of cabaret art, capable of entertaining audiences with the most serious themes through its carnival-like freedom. At the same time, Ukraine stood on the brink of significant societal and consciousness changes. The Revolution of Dignity and the war in the East reveal the heroines' characters, worldviews, and creative reflections.
4. "Me, Victory, and Berlin," directed by Olha Ryashyna, 2023 Based on Kuzma Skryabin's story "I, Victory, and Berlin," this film achieved a record box office in 2024, grossing nearly 45 million UAH. The story centers on a young Ukrainian musician, Kuzma, who, along with his friend Bard, travels to Berlin in a rusty "Victory" car. He plans to trade it with a German collector for a luxurious Mercedes to impress his girlfriend Barbara. However, the vibrant nightlife of the German capital brings unexpected adventures that change his goals, shape his character, and help him find his true self.

"Each of these films carries music in its soul that can touch the heart of every Ukrainian. We curated this program to immerse viewers in the world of sounds and melodies, as the musicality of Ukrainians is one of our virtues and prides. In times of joy and challenge, song has always remained a cornerstone for us. We want to remind everyone that Ukrainians are a creative nation, capable of producing quality films and creating unique music," said Anna Machukh, General Director of the OIFF.

Radio "Silpo," supported by Mastercard, becomes the musical partner of the festival. Thanks to this partnership, films participating in the National Competition, the list of which will be announced later, will compete not only for the awards for "Best Feature Film" and "Best Documentary Feature" but also for the "Best Song for a Film" prize. The winner will receive 50,000 UAH from the festival's musical partner, Radio "Silpo."

"We are thrilled to join such a significant cultural event and are grateful to the OIFF for the opportunity to become the musical partner of the festival. Supporting our artists and promoting Ukrainian musical culture is one of our missions, which is why Radio "Silpo," along with Mastercard, is participating in the creation of the 'Best Song for a Film' nomination. We are great admirers of projects that showcase the immense talent and rich culture of the Ukrainian nation. We are confident that the films presented will find their audience, and the music will find its true appreciators," commented a representative of Radio "Silpo."

The 15th Odesa International Film Festival will take place from July 12 to 20, 2024, in Kyiv.

The 15th Odesa International Film Festival is supported by the Ukrainian State Film Agency and the Creative Europe Program.