Focus and objectives of the residency: 

• to define the place and role of Kira Muratova within Ukrainian and world cinema; 

• to support independent researchers in Ukraine in their scholarly work and to create opportunities for the development and realisation of intellectual inquiry; 

• to foster collaboration between researchers, institutions, and independent collections that preserve film heritage.  

Today, Kira Muratova is recognised as one of the most prominent directors in the history of Ukrainian cinema. Her distinctive cinematic language stands as a powerful example of dissenting art in the Soviet Union. Yet despite this, Muratova remains an underappreciated and under-researched figure in Ukrainian film. 

In order to rethink Kira Muratova’s role from a contemporary perspective within Ukrainian cinema and to present an international view of her work, we invite applications for a research residency that approaches her legacy through a decolonial lens, grounded in archival materials and films. 

Applications are open to individual film researchers, critics, scholars, journalists, writers, as well as collectives. The project will run until December 2026. As part of the residency, participants are expected to prepare a manuscript to be published by Ukrainian and international publishers. Full guidelines are available via the link. 

Application deadline: 10 May 2026

Announcement of results: by 25 May 2026 

The application form is available via the link. Completed forms and supporting documents should be sent to: [email protected]. 

The residency will also include travel, in particular a stay in Odesa to work with local archives and engage with Muratova’s collaborators, as well as, if necessary, visits to the Republic of Moldova, where she was born.