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Ukraine

Anna Machukh • Executive director, Ukrainian Film Academy, and general director, Odesa International Film Festival

“Now Ukraine needs to be represented in the international cultural arena”

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- We gleaned some insights into the current situation for culture in Ukraine in light of the war, and the importance of amplifying the country’s voices

Anna Machukh • Executive director, Ukrainian Film Academy, and general director, Odesa International Film Festival

As Ukraine goes through the most dramatic period in its recent history, Cineuropa had a chance to talk to Anna Machukh, the executive director of the Ukrainian Film Academy and the general director of the Odesa International Film Festival. She gave us her insights into the current situation in the country in terms of both culture and the consequences of the war, the importance of supporting and amplifying Ukrainian voices, and what the future may bring after the Russian invasion.

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Cineuropa: Two months after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, what is the current status of the film industry, and how are you supporting the local community?
Anna Machukh: During this period, the Ukrainian film industry has turned into a cinema-focused front that is working in several directions at once. First, we are intent on cultural diplomacy. We want to convey the importance and necessity of boycotting Russian cinema to the international industry. Secondly, now we are actively promoting Ukrainian cinema and content on the world stage. There are two main reasons for this: one of them is to acquaint the audience with original, unique and high-quality Ukrainian cinema. In addition, it is essential to show that Ukrainian and Russian cultures are absolutely two different cultures that have never been one or, in the words of propagandists, “brotherly”. And the third direction, in which almost all filmmakers are now working, is helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Some of our directors, actors and producers have gone to the front with weapons in their hands. Another part of the industry helps financially, volunteers and organises charity film screenings.

Now, the film industry, like the whole of Ukraine, is united. Together with other Ukrainian film organisations, we are now holding the CinemAid Ukraine Charity Film Marathon worldwide. We donate the funds collected from tickets to help the army, part of it goes to support Ukrainian filmmakers who have suffered because of the war, and it also feeds into the established fund for the restoration of Ukrainian cinema after the war.

What are your expectations of the European and international film community, and how can its members actively participate in helping their Ukrainian colleagues?
Our European colleagues are very supportive of us, and we are eternally grateful for that. Many foreign film organisations provide various opportunities for Ukrainian filmmakers who have been forced to leave the country and have ended up in Europe. Also, our Polish colleagues, for example, helped with fundraising, ammunition logistics and humanitarian aid. In addition, international film communities, film academies and organisations have supported our call to boycott Russian cinema. We really believe that all international film institutions and organisations should take such a step. Thus, together we will cut off part of the financial flows that cinema brings to the Russian budget.

As the main festivals are giving the limelight to Ukrainian producers and films, do you think they should become more actively involved and clearer about their support of local productions?
International film festivals are now, first and foremost, platforms that allow us to tell the world about Ukraine. Representing Ukraine at film festivals allows us not only to show our films to the audience, but also to talk about our culture and acquaint the audience with the country and its peculiarities. Film festivals are also about communication and diplomacy. Various special programmes of events, meetings and discussions are being organised, and the situation in the Ukrainian film industry, the changes occurring with the beginning of a full-scale war and potential solutions are being discussed there. Now Ukraine needs to be represented in the international cultural arena.

The boycotting of Russian films and filmmakers has sparked a huge debate among the community. With the Ukrainian Film Academy adopting a clear position on this, do you think these actions will escalate and could ultimately be used as a tool to actively promote Ukrainian cinema instead?
The call for a boycott of Russian cinema and the promotion of Ukrainian cinema are things that are on parallel axes and do not intersect. We do not have any insidious plan to “capture” the niche that Russian cinema occupied. “Capturing” and occupying someone else's place – this is not for us. The call for a boycott is directly related to the demand to stop funding the Russian army. In addition, Russian cinema often (or at least more often than not) broadcasts imperial narratives or propaganda messages.

What do you expect when it comes to the future of Ukrainian cinema, and what are the messages you are receiving from the academy members?
I am more confident in the future of Ukrainian cinema than ever. Our industry has already shown itself to be a strong competitor internationally. Over the past ten years, our cinema has changed beyond all recognition. It has flourished, straightened its shoulders and won awards at film festivals, giving birth to a whole galaxy of young and talented directors. Since 2013, many incredible documentaries have appeared that also captured the Revolution of Dignity and the war in Donbas. Also now, many directors are continuing to shoot or are preparing scripts for feature films. And I think that in the future, we will see many movies that reflect on the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, through an artistic lens.

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