This year marked the 15th Jubilee of the festival, which has been held in Kyiv for three consecutive years due to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Organizers once again assured attendees that they "will definitely meet in Odesa next year," with many hopeful that this promise will be fulfilled.
The ceremony featured the announcement of awards for the European and National competition programs, as well as the FIPRESCI Prize.
European Competition Winners
First Special Mention — Blueberry Dreams, directed by Elene Mikaberidze
"This film shows immense respect and devotion of a person to their land," said jury member Polish director Maciek Hamela.
"The extraordinary main character and his family invite us into their world, where the past, present, and future intertwine, raising important questions about limitations and borders. Against this intimate story, we see the shadow of a global military conflict, affecting his family."
Second Special Mention — Sex, directed by Dag Johan Haugerud
"The film displays radical openness and reflection on gender identity, desire, love, and betrayal," Hamela explained the jury's choice.
"It intertwines melancholy and humor with wonderful dialogues that captivate the audience."
Best European Film — Next to Nothing, directed by Grzegorz Debowski.
"We were impressed by the flawless acting and what the director wanted to convey about the cost of dignity," said jury member Iryna Ostrovska.
"This story of a hero from an Eastern European village sometimes borders between detective and thriller. It shows what a person must go through to protect their boundaries."
National Competition Winners
FIPRESCI Prize — Perun’s Pipe, directed by Yevhen Mazurenko
"Our jury highlights this chronicle film about Ukrainian fighters amid pristine nature, performing melodies of death for the enemy on Perun's piper, defending the living lives of their people," said jury member, art historian, and chair of the Ukrainian Film Critics Union, Oksana Voloshchuk.
First Special Mention — Oxygen Station, directed by Ivan Tymchenko
"The director was able to control the actors, sound, and images exceptionally well," said jury member and British director Mike Figgis.
Second Special Mention — Yasa, directed by Serhiy Masloboyshchikov
"The film has a meaningful and deep message," said jury member, Afghan-born film director, screenwriter, and university lecturer Sahraa Karimii.
"The jury recognizes its importance to the audience and its contribution to the contemporary national discourse. It is more than just a film; it catalyzes thoughtful reflection and searching for answers between two generations, two worldviews — the old post-Soviet, opportunistic, and the new, free, rebellious, and democratic. This confrontation has led to tragedy."
Best Song or Film Music — Oxygen Station, directed by Ivan Tymchenko and composed by Yuni Miyake.
Best Ukrainian Feature Documentary — Glyadielov, directed by Ksenia Kravtsova.
"The courage and bravery of soldiers defending their homeland on the front lines of this war are beyond words. Even the horrors and devastation of the war cannot be fully conveyed in words. However, through the lens of a skilled photographer, these moments of bravery and the harsh reality of war are vividly captured. These images not only document the present but also provide lasting understanding for future generations."
Best Ukrainian Feature Narrative Film — Gray Bees, directed by Dmytro Moyseev.
"For the cinematic and authentic portrayal of a story, with a style akin to documentary filmmaking, that tells a delicate personal human drama against the backdrop of war," commented jury member Ukrainian director Alisa Kovalenko.
"For the organic combination of drama and humor, depth and lightness, realism and cosmic atmosphere; and for the natural existence of the film's characters that evokes the deepest emotions as great cinema."