Panel Discussion: From International Interest to Domestic Distribution: Where Does Ukrainian Cinema Stand Today?

Discussion: why do international sales buy Ukrainian films, and what is the situation on the domestic market?

What do international sales agents and distributors look for when selecting films for their catalogues? What roles do storytelling, artistic quality and a film’s potential play, and what challenges does the Ukrainian film industry face in both international and domestic markets?

During the discussion, we’ll explore how international film sales work, the criteria used to select films, and what makes a story appealing to audiences and the film industry beyond its country of origin. How can Ukrainian films find their audiences in international markets, and what opportunities does the European context offer for their distribution?

We’ll also look at the realities of the Ukrainian film market, including funding, production and domestic distribution, as well as the legal and political challenges surrounding the protection of rights to Ukrainian audiovisual content in international territories.

The participants will share their experience and perspectives on international distribution, the Ukrainian film market and opportunities for the industry’s development. The discussion will explore how artistic quality, international interest and the practical realities of filmmaking can come together to help Ukrainian films reach audiences both abroad and at home.