Ukrainian Films: A Selection by Kozak Buvette

Ukrainian cinema boasts a vibrant and storied tradition, with its roots stretching back to the silent film era.

Over the decades, Ukraine has produced a wealth of films that reflect the country’s unique perspective and complex history. Legendary directors like Sergei Parajanov and Aleksandr Dovzhenko have left an indelible mark on world cinema, crafting works that are celebrated for their artistry and depth.

Ukrainian movies often delve into themes of identity, resilience, and the everyday realities of life in Ukraine, offering audiences a window into the heart of the country.

We’ve put together a curated list of Ukrainian films — fiction & documentary, long and short — showing different layers of culture, everyday life, and personal stories.

Feature films:

Pamfir (dir Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk, released 2022)

A drama about a man and his family in the Carpathians, set within harsh realities and strong local traditions, including the Malanka celebration. The film’s dark tone, powerful lines, and depiction of community and trust highlight the strengths of national cinema, while the protagonist’s adventures and the idea of leaving for a better life reflect the resilience and memory of Ukrainian society.

Living Fire (dir Ostap Kostyuk)

A slow, intimate documentary based on the lives of shepherds in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. The film’s presence and language of care allow the audience to live alongside its subjects, exploring intergenerational ties—such as the role of a grandmother—and the kind of trust that develops within rural communities.

Volcano (dir Roman Bondarchuk)

A Ukrainian OSCE interpreter, a man whose persona is shaped by trauma, gets lost in the Kherson region after his team disappears during an inspection tour. Alone in the vast steppe, he drifts into absurd, quietly humorous adventures through southern Ukraine, encountering underground inhabitants and reflecting on the memory of the USSR and the zone of uncertainty. The film’s visual lines and enthusiasm for the unexpected show the developed strengths of Ukrainian storytelling.

Queens of Joy (dir Olga Gibelinda)

Three drag queens—women and men balancing performance, identity, and wartime reality—support the frontlines and their friends with enthusiasm and trust. The film explores the idea of chosen family and the presence of community, offering a voice to marginalized groups and showing the resilience of the national spirit.

Yaremchuk: Matchless World of Beauty (dir Artem Hryhoryan)

A documentary about a legendary Ukrainian singer and composer, based on his life and the memory he left in the national consciousness. The film’s shows and interviews highlight the strengths of Ukrainian music and the idea of cultural continuity, engaging the audience with the persona of Yaremchuk and the enthusiasm of his fans.

A House Made of Splinters (dir Simon Lereng Wilmont)

A documentary about children separated from their parents during wartime—a close look at vulnerability, resilience, and the kind of trust and care that develops in a temporary home. The film’s presence and language of observation allow the audience to witness the impact of war on memory, time, and the bonds between friends.

🎞 Short films:

As It Was (dir Anastasiia Solonevych, Damian Kocur)

Returning to Kyiv after the full-scale invasion, a woman rediscovers everyday wartime life, reflecting on the idea of home, the memory of what was lost, and the presence of conflict. The film’s strengths lie in its live, unvarnished footage and the trust between filmmaker and subject.

I Am Michelle (dir Olena Siyatovska)

A young transgender girl in Kyiv dreams of becoming a model, exploring her persona and the challenges of living authentically. The film’s enthusiasm and voice highlight the importance of community, friends, and the kind of support needed to leave behind prejudice.

In Joy and Only in Joy (dir Marina Roschina)

A young mother—a woman navigating love and secrecy—falls in love but hides the truth about her child. The film’s minimal style, presence, and focus on trust and memory create an intimate portrait of family and the passage of time.

It Is a Date (dir Nadia Parfan)

A one-shot drive through Kyiv at dawn—simple and hypnotic, the film’s lines and visual language capture the city’s atmosphere and the idea of moving forward despite uncertainty. The audience is invited to live in the moment and reflect on the national mood.

How I Spent My Summer Holidays (dir Antonio Lukich)

Teenagers answer a simple question, revealing more than expected about their friends, community, and the impact of war on their lives. The film’s strengths are in its authentic voice, enthusiasm, and the kind of presence that brings the audience close to the characters’ experiences.

Kittens (dir Zhanna Ozirna)

A couple—man and woman—speak about love, future, and family, exploring the idea of trust and the memory of shared adventures. The film’s minimalism and developed style highlight the strengths of Ukrainian short cinema.

Driving Lessons (dir Anastasiia Gruba)

A father—a man—teaches his daughter to drive during wartime in Kyiv, reflecting on the passage of time, the presence of danger, and the trust required between generations. The film’s strengths lie in its depiction of family, community, and the resilience to live through uncertainty.

Mosaics of Kyiv (dir Kyrylo Svietashov & Sveta Symakova)

Artists create mosaics in the city—a quiet act of care and memory, based on the idea of preserving cultural heritage. The film’s lines and visual language show the strengths of artistic expression and the importance of community presence.

I Did Not Want to Make a War Film (dir Nadia Parfan)

A personal essay about returning home after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, exploring the idea of witnessing, the memory of place, and the kind of attention required to engage with trauma. The film’s strengths are in its developed narrative voice and the trust it builds with the audience.