The 16th Odesa International Film Festival traditionally brings together the most striking film projects from around the world, and this year particular attention is drawn to the “Gala Premieres” program. Here, audiences can discover major works by renowned directors as well as encounter new voices shaping the tone of contemporary cinema.
The program features films that blend documentary evidence with artistic imagery, addressing both urgent contemporary issues and universal human stories—about choices, time, and personal journeys. From stories of Ukrainian soldiers and the fates of children in war to intimate family dramas and philosophical reflections, the “Gala Premieres” program offers a wide range of genres and themes that resonate with diverse audiences.
Dovzhenko. The Great Compromise (2024, Ukraine, dir. Ihor Ivanko)
The film, marking the 130th anniversary of Oleksandr Dovzhenko, explores the artist’s complex path—from his early attempts in cinema to creating masterpieces that became symbols of Ukrainian poetic cinema. The filmmakers highlight his ability to navigate creative ambitions and the political demands of his era, remaining a unique figure in cultural history.
Second Wind (2025, Ukraine, dir. Maria Kondakova)
This documentary follows four soldiers with amputations and a female fighter with injuries. Though they have lost parts of their bodies, their spirit remains intact. They embark on a climb of Kilimanjaro to prove that life with prosthetics can still be full of adventure and meaning. The film captures not only the physical ascent but also the internal transformation of the heroes—from pain and doubt to finding new life directions.
The EUkrainian (2025, Sweden, France, Ukraine, Belgium, dir. Viktor Nordensjöld)
The film follows Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna as she conducts complex negotiations for the country’s EU and NATO membership during wartime. It tells a story of personal dedication to politics, combating corruption, navigating international bureaucracy, and finding balance between internal resistance and global diplomacy while Ukraine secures its place in Europe’s future.
My Magical World (Mənim sehrli dünyam, 2025, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Cyprus, dir. Elvin Adigozel)
Two friends and members of a music band face a choice between their ambitions and their friendship. One seeks fame, the other remains loyal to childhood dreams. Their paths diverge, revealing the high price of success. The film premiered at the goEast Festival in Wiesbaden.
Heldin (2025, Switzerland, Germany, dir. Petra Volpe)
Nurse Floria works in a surgical ward, constantly balancing patient care with the grueling pace of the hospital. One night, understaffed, reality turns into a test: critically ill patients, emotional strain, and the relentless race against time push her to repeatedly prove her resilience. The film premiered at Berlinale and was Switzerland’s Oscar submission.
La venue de l’avenir (2025, France, Belgium, dir. Cédric Klapisch)
Distant relatives inherit an old house and must conduct an inventory together. Their search leads to unexpected discoveries and intersections with the past—especially the life of Adèle, who left the house in 1895 for Paris and a new era of industrial and cultural revolutions. Past and present intertwine, creating a story about legacy, time, and family ties. The film was selected for the official Cannes Film Festival lineup.
Classe moyenne (2025, France, Belgium, dir. Anthony Cordier)
Mehdi planned a quiet summer at his girlfriend’s family’s country house, but instead gets drawn into a conflict between the wealthy family and the housekeepers’ couple. Hoping to mediate due to his modest background, Mehdi finds the situation rapidly spiraling out of control. The film was presented in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Children in Fire (2025, Ukraine, USA, Czech Republic, dir. Yevhen Afineievsky)
This documentary records crimes against Ukrainian children during the full-scale war—kidnappings, deportations, and attempts at assimilation. Despite these horrors, eight young protagonists continue to believe in their future, becoming athletes, artists, and civil servants. Their stories, told through live-action and animation, become symbols of resilience and hope for a world without violence. The film screened at festivals in Monte Carlo, Raindance, and Documentaries Without Borders.
Alpha (2025, France, Belgium, dir. Julia Ducournau)
Thirteen-year-old Alpha returns home with a tattoo. Her mother, a doctor, realizes the girl may have contracted a mysterious disease that turns people into marble statues. The family faces fear, uncertainty, and danger, while uncovering their own lineage’s secrets to find a path to survival. The film competed at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Artist (2025, Ukraine, dir. Oleksiy Taranenko, Dmytro Tarasov)
In 2024, the legendary investigator Major Skoruk, previously believed dead in the battles for Hostomel, is found alive. He remembers nothing after volunteering. Unexpectedly, Skoruk begins painting crimes that have not yet occurred. His art becomes a prophetic tool in the fight against evil.
