The evening began with a performance by Ukraine’s National Ensemble of Soloists, “Kyiv Camerata.” Conducted by Oleh Marynchenko, the ensemble performed Ivan Nebesnyi’s suite “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” for violin and orchestra, with Bohdana Pivnenko as soloist. Guests then observed a moment of silence for the Ukrainian defenders killed in the war.
The ceremony was hosted by Liudmyla Barbir and Yehor Gordieiev, presenters at 1+1 Media, the festival’s lead media partner. This year marks the 55th anniversary of “Molodist.”
Olena Kovalska, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, read a message from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to mark the festival’s opening:
“Dear friends,
If I had to describe Ukrainian cinema in one word, I would say ‘youth.’ I don’t mean how long it has existed or how much experience it has accumulated. I mean the emotion that animates it and the qualities that define Ukrainian films, whether they were made in the 20th century or today. What sets each of our films apart is its youthfulness and everything that comes with it: vividness, the courage to push boundaries and break rules, a fresh perspective, a love of experimentation, and, in the best sense of the word, creative audacity and a rebellious spirit.
The heart of Ukrainian cinema keeps beating, and it beats with confidence despite every historical challenge and threat. In Soviet times, our filmmakers faced censorship and bans. In the early 1990s, they weathered economic turmoil and instability. Today, they continue to make powerful films despite Russia’s full-scale war and relentless attacks. All this shows one thing: Ukrainian cinema has a past, a present, and a future.
I warmly congratulate the organizers, participants, and guests of the “Molodist” Film Festival. Our “Molodist” is 55. Some may say that sounds strange. I think it is certainly original.
Originality is another quality of Ukrainian cinema.
Over the years, “Molodist” has become a major presence in Ukraine’s cultural life and on the international film scene. It opens doors to world cinema for young talent and helps shape new directions in filmmaking. Ukrainian films are reaching audiences around the world. This matters especially now, as we fight Russia for our freedom and independence and push back against hostile propaganda.
Thank you to everyone who makes our films and, through them, brings light to Ukrainians and strength to our national spirit. Thank you to those who inspire our people and use cinema to bring society together around ideas that support Ukraine.
Good luck to everyone! Glory to Ukraine!”,
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his message..
Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine, also sent a video greeting:
“Congratulations on the opening of the 55th anniversary edition of ‘Molodist.’ I’m looking at this year’s festival program and thinking: the secret to eternal youth is discovering new talent every year. Your team has mastered this art. For more than half a century, you have helped young directors find their audience, meet future partners, and receive support for their next films. Thank you to everyone on the team for continuing to bring Ukrainian and international film communities together.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the festival’s role in connecting Ukraine with the world:
“It is an honor and a pleasure to be part of this anniversary edition of ‘Molodist.’ The festival is taking place despite drone attacks, missiles, and Russian terror. That takes real strength. I believe that what is happening in Ukraine today will become part of the history of Ukrainian culture.
The presence of our international guests shows that the world is paying attention to Ukraine, to its new role on the geopolitical stage, and its place on the global cultural map. I am grateful that so many people with us today are not just diplomats but heads of diplomatic missions. Their presence recognizes Kyiv as an important place to present talent.
Fifty-five years and the youthfulness of ‘Molodist’ feel right to me. The festival has held on to its creative spirit and its commitment to finding new talent and introducing new voices. Fifty-five years ago, ‘Molodist’ began with screenings of student films. Today, it connects Ukrainian cinema with the rest of the world and lets us communicate through emotion. That is what ‘Molodist’ is about: giving a chance to people the world does not know yet and helping us see what others may have missed.
We are living through a shift in the world order and a test of European security. What seemed impossible yesterday can be reality today. Our soldiers shape that reality on the battlefield and our artists give it a new meaning,”
— the Minister said.
Andrii Osipov, Head of the State Film Agency of Ukraine, also offered his congratulations:
“‘Molodist’ is a Ukrainian brand and a mark of quality. I am glad that the State Film Agency supports the festival in more than just financial ways. Our entire team and the Council for State Support of Cinematography have stood by the festival for years. I promise to keep doing so.”
After the welcome remarks, hosts Liudmyla Barbir and Yehor Gordieiev invited Andrii Khalpakhchi, Director General of “Molodist,” to the stage. He declared the festival open and introduced its opening film, Livin’, which had its world premiere at the festival. The film consists of six novellas about life in Ukraine during the full-scale war: “Borshch,” “Vacation,” “VIPs,” “Mariupol,” “Shahed-2008,” and “Two Fates.” Producer Pylyp Illienko, who also directed the “Vacation” novella, and director Yevhen Matviienko presented the film. Most of the crew joined them on stage, including Oleksandr Timenko, who directed one of the novellas, cinematographers Yurii Dunai, Sviatoslav Bulakovskyi, and Oleksandr Dzhantimirov, and cast members Viktor Andriienko and Olena Uzliuk.
“The audience at ‘Molodist’ will be the first to see the film. I’m curious to watch it myself. I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and some of the details from filming have faded. ‘Livin’’ reflects on the time when I was a civilian. I observed what was happening around me as an ordinary citizen and wanted to show how the war had changed ordinary people’s lives. We have all changed, and so have our circumstances. Over time, we learned to adapt. Even something as terrible as war cannot stop life,”
— Matviienko said.
Juries for the International, National, and Documentary Competitions, as well as Teen Screen, will choose this year’s winners. The Ukrainian Film Critics Union will also award a diploma to the best film in the National Competition.
International Competition
The jury is chaired by director and Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemember Oleh Sentsov. Its members are Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO of the European Film Academy; Iranian director Mahnāz Mohammadī; theater director Eugene Lavrenchuk; and Latvian film scholar and critic Anita Uzulniece.
National Competition
The films will be judged by director Vyacheslav Turyanytsia, winner of “Molodist’s” National Competition in 2025; Radek Lipka, director of the Luxembourg-based CinEast festival; and Xavier Henry-Rashid, founder of the international film sales agency Film Republic.
Documentary Competition
The jury includes director and screenwriter Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk, whose film Pamfir premiered at the Cannes Film Festival; director and artist Natalia Ilchuk, winner of “Molodist’s” National Competition in 2023; and cinematographer, producer, and screenwriter Svitlana Zinovieva.
Teen Screen
The competition for teens ages 14 to 16 will be judged by graduates of Valeriia Khodos’s film school: Yaroslav Hurenko, Nikita Koriahin, Viktoriia Shynderuk, and Anna Hryhorenko.
Ukrainian Film Critics Union Jury
This year’s jury includes film critic Anastasiia Liakh; independent critic Dmytro Sydorenko, a member of the International Federation of Film Critics and the Ukrainian Film Critics Union; and director and editor Anastasiia Tymus.
The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the State Film Agency of Ukraine, the State Agency of Ukraine for Arts and Artistic Education, and the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine.
Embassies and State Institutions
Embassy of Italy in Ukraine
Italian Institute of Culture in Ukraine
Goethe-Institut Ukraine
Embassy of Spain in Ukraine
Embassy of France in Ukraine
French Institute in Ukraine
Embassy of Belgium in Ukraine
Embassy of Spain in Ukraine
Embassy of Poland in Ukraine
Polish Institute in Ukraine
Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ukraine
Embassy of Mexico in Ukraine
Embassy of Argentina in Ukraine
Ukrainian-Danish Youth House
Danish Cultural Institute
German Films
Creative Europe Desk Ukraine
Sponsors and Partners
M.S.L., operator of the Loto-Zabava state lottery
Main media partner: 1+1 Media
1+1 Ukraine TV channel
Kyivstar TV film and television platform
Creative partner: McCANN Kyiv
“ILTA” automotive center in Pechersk
“Piatnytsia” radio station
“Musafir,” a Crimean Tatar restaurant bringing a taste of Crimea to the capital
“Avtostantsiia Podil”, known for its name, chestnut trees, and hot pizza
Festival hotel partners: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv Podil, City Centre, and Mackintosh Hotel
Cinecitta Cafe, Bar & Restaurant at the House of Cinema
Salt Cinema platform and production company
Media Partners
NV.ua
Suspilne
Suspilne Culture
Hromadske
#ProShoKino
Evening Kyiv
