EFM 2025: Ukraine to show the resilience and creativity of its audiovisual industry

On February 14, as part of the European Film Market (EFM) – a series of events will showcase the resilience and creativity of the Ukrainian audiovisual industry, highlighting its ability to operate, adapt to the war and remain active in the global stage. The program "Ukraine on Screen: The Social Impact of Cinema" is also aimed at finding new international partners and developing international cooperation. The event is organized in partnership with Ukrainian Institute, Ukrainian Institute in Germany, Ukrainian Film Festival in Berlin, and Media Resources Management, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Germany.

The program "Ukraine on Screen: The Social Impact of Cinema" will begin with an overview of the state of the Ukrainian film industry, followed by a pitching session of Ukrainian film projects titled "Stories That Matter." The event will become a platform to discover new names in Ukrainian cinematography. Among the selected works are projects that explore themes of cultural identity, historical accountability, the impact of political decisions during times of crisis and war on people and nature, and other significant societal issues.

During the session, the creators of these projects will present their ideas to representatives of the international film industry, including funds, festival selection committee members, film producers, and sales agents.

In particular, the session will feature presentations of Ukrainian documentary and feature-length fiction films that have the potential for international distribution, and participation in film festivals and are currently in development or production such as "My Dear Théo" director Alisa Kovalenko, and producers Katarzyna Kuczyńska and Oleksandra Kravchenko; "Serge Lifar: Artist’s Case", director Anna Lodyhina, and producers Sergiy Nedzelsky and Vitaliy Sheremetyev; "State", director Nikon Romanchenko, and producer Julia Sinkevych; "The Ferryman", director Pavlo Dorohoi, and producers Olha Symonenko, Anita Norfolk; "The Game of Women at War", director, and producer Zlata Veresniak; "Vacuum", director Liza Smith, and producer Eugene Rachkovsky.

The next part of the program will start with a panel discussion “The Power of Cinema: Social Impact and Potential” and feature leading Ukrainian and international experts.

The speakers will explore how cinematography can address pressing challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Europe. The discussion will cover the role of storytelling in turbulent times, the potential of film to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster solidarity across borders, the importance of promotional and social impact campaigns, and opportunities for co-productions and collaborative efforts to amplify voices from Ukraine and beyond.