The line-up included eight films exploring self-identity, migration, and the search for belonging. Among them were Ukraine’s first sci-fi film, a folklore-inspired drama, a Docudays UA laureate, and one of the top 100 Ukrainian films of all time.

In total, 14 screenings were held, each followed by discussions between Dutch and Ukrainian film critics. Ukraine was represented by Daria Badior and Hanna Datsyuk, while the Dutch side included ten leading film critics, among them members of the Dutch Critics’ Circle (KNF) and contributors to major outlets such as NRC, De Filmkrant, De Telegraaf, FilmTotaal, and Het Parool.

The festival opened with a screening of ‘U Are the Universe’ by Pavlo Ostrikov at KINO in Rotterdam. A special closing event in Amsterdam featured a unique collaboration with the Ukrainian International Ballet, based in the Netherlands, whose performance accompanied the screening of ‘Fragments of Ice’ by Maria Stoianova on 11 May at De Balie.

Festival partners included: Steunfonds Oekraïense makers, Stichting Droom en Daad, Gemeente Rotterdam, the Ukrainian Institute, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.