Doc Kyiv Fest 2024: A New Chapter in Documentary Cinema

In 2024, the Doc Kyiv Fest, dedicated to mid-length viewer-centric documentaries, will unveil its national competitive program, meticulously curated by a panel of experts including Oleksiy Gladushevsky, Serhiy Zlenko, Anna Palenchuk, and Volodymyr Tykhy.

This year’s selection features a tapestry of narratives that delve deep into the human experience amidst tumultuous times. Among the standout films are Volodymyr Bakum’s “Home on the Back”, a poignant exploration of displacement through the eyes of two Ukrainian women in Europe during the war, and Hanna Trofimova’s “When Will Winter 2022 End?” offers a personal reflection on the initial months of the conflict. Also in the lineup is “Lines”, another work by Trofimova, showcasing diverse stories from the LGBT community against the backdrop of war. Other works include “My Father — The Lightning Explorer” by Irina Shostak, a daughter’s quest to uncover her late father’s legacy, and “Odessa in a Dream” by Kyrylo Naumko, a meditation on the meaning of home. “The Fortress of Mariupol. Simon” by Yulia Gontaruk chronicles the harrowing tale of Oleg “Simon” Krisenko, a symbol of resilience and survival.

“Through the festival’s competitive program, we aim to spotlight films with unique voices and personal perspectives that resonate primarily with Ukrainian viewers, offering a mirror to our collective reality,” commented Serhiy Zlenko, a member of the selection committee.

Awaiting the announcement of the jury, which will crown the national competition’s winner, the festival continues to be a beacon for Ukrainian documentary cinema. Doc Kyiv Fest, a collaborative effort by the “Kinofest” NGO, Starlight Media, and the Odesa International Film Festival, is set to enchant Kyiv from March 28 to 30, 2024, promising a confluence of remarkable stories that echo the spirit of Ukraine.