NewsNews26 September 2025

The 16th Odessa International Film Festival has started in Kyiv: competitions, special programs and educational events

The 16th Odessa International Film Festival kicked off in Kyiv on September 24 and will run until October 4. The event traditionally brought together Ukrainian and foreign artists, film professionals, and viewers, offering a rich program of premieres and special screenings. The festival's media partners were 1+1 media and 1+1 Ukraine. The grand opening ceremony took place at the Parkovy Exhibition and Convention Center. The evening's hosts were actress and TV presenter Dasha Tregubova, host of the morning show "Breakfast with 1+1" on "1+1 Ukraine" Lyudmila Barbir, and host of the program "Windows-News" on STB TV channel Yana Brenzey.

The festival's opening ceremony began with a minute of silence in honor of the fallen defenders and Ukrainian artists who died during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

In her address, the President of the OIFF, Viktoria Tigipko, emphasized the role of national cinema in the world: “Today, Ukrainian cinema has become the voice of truth and resilience. Our victories at international festivals prove that it is recognizable and needed by the world. This is a film about resilience — the ability to persevere and speak the truth when it is difficult. Strength, creativity, inspiration, resilience — are the basis of our cultural DNA.”

The festival’s general director, Anna Machukh, emphasized: “In Ukraine, 16 years is the age of growing up. For me, this year is also an anniversary: I have been with the festival for 15 years and together with it I went through the Revolution of Dignity, the beginning of the war, the pandemic, festival editions abroad, and for two years in a row — holding it in Kyiv. We all dream of the day when the OIFF returns home, to Odessa, in peacetime. The festival has changed together with the country, sought new meanings and formats, but has always remained a space of freedom, cultural dialogue, and love for cinema.”

On stage this evening, bandura player and experimenter Ivan Tkalenko performed, transforming the traditional instrument into a modern sound laboratory, combining the bandura with electronics and new acoustic effects. And the unique atmosphere was added by singer Olya Tsybulska, who gave the guests a bright performance.

During the evening, guests were treated to entertainment by sponsors ARARAT and Morshynska, and interactive entertainment zones were created by Hisense, L’Oréal Paris, developer RIEL, and Pivdennyi Bank. And Jewelry Factory specially prepared collectible coins with a gold “Duke” — the symbol of the festival — for the event. The images of the presenters and the festival director were complemented by jewelry from Carrera Y Carrera — discreet and at the same time expressive accents that emphasized the solemnity of the event. And BMW Ukraine organized the presence of foreign guests of the film festival.

At the opening, the Head of the State Agency of Ukraine for Cinema Andriy Osipov thanked the organizers of the festival and noted the contribution of Ukrainian filmmakers: “A huge bow to the entire OIFF team from Derzhkino. We are glad to cooperate and thank you for your many years of work. Ukrainian cinema is not only films, but also people, professionals who believe in their work and continue to create it even in the most difficult times. This is a matter of sincere respect.”

Over the course of 11 days, the audience of the Odessa International Film Festival will be able to watch 113 films, 104 of which are feature-length, in 18 programs. The festival’s competitive programs are the National Documentary Competition and the European Competition, which present new names and current topics in contemporary cinema. In addition to the competitive sections, thematic programs “Focus on Poland”, “German Accent”, “Best of Europe”, “Gala Premieres”, “Festival of Festivals”, “Human Comedy”, “Through Friendly Eyes” and many others are planned. They allow you to see the different faces of Ukrainian and world cinema.

An important part of the OIFF are educational events: panel discussions, meetings with directors, Q&A after screenings, master classes and presentations that open the audience behind the scenes of film production and current industry trends.

Screenings and industry events will take place at the Zhovten Cinema, the Oscar Cinema (Gulliver Shopping Center) and the Architect's House.

The Odessa International Film Festival remains a space for dialogue and discovery, where Ukrainian and international filmmakers can exchange experiences, and viewers can get acquainted with film projects that shape the cultural landscape of today.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the link: https://new.oiff.com.ua/tickets

The 16th Odessa International Film Festival is supported by

State Film Agency of Ukraine
European Union and EU Creative Europe Programme Office in Ukraine
Adam Mickiewicza Institute
Polish Institute in Kyiv
German Films
In partnership with Goethe-Institut in Ukraine
Official sponsor – ARARAT
Official automotive partner – BMW Ukraine
General partner of Film Industry Office – UPHub
Official jewelry partner – Carrera Y Carrera
General technology partner – Hisense
Official bank partner – Pivdennyi
Official beauty partner – L'Oréal Paris
Water partner – TM Morshynska
Official partner of OIFF ceremonies – international network of beauty spaces G×Bar
Partner of evening dresses – Rent A Brand
Partner of Film Industry Office – Cinema Sound UA Production
General media partner – 1+1 media
General information partner – Starlight Media
Media partner – ICTV2 TV channel
Media partner – 1+1 Ukraine TV channel
Media partner – MEGOGO
Information partner – Kyivstar TV
PR partner – NAME PR
Fashion media partner – ELLE
Charity partner – Children of Heroes Foundation
Partner – TA Ventures
Partner – ICLUB