5 essential films to watch at Kyiv Critics' Week
Still from "The Secret Agent"
The Kyiv Critics' Week will be held for the ninth time at the Zhovten cinema from October 16 to 22. This international festival is one of the main events of the autumn for Ukrainian film lovers, showcasing the most interesting films of the year, including hits from Cannes and potential Oscar contenders. Here is a selection of five films you definitely shouldn't miss on the big screen.
Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier's previous film, "The Worst Person in the World," was warmly received and earned two Oscar nominations as well as the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. His new film aims to surpass these achievements, having already won the Grand Prix at this year's Cannes and being considered a major contender for the upcoming Oscars.
The story follows two daughters of a famous director who have been estranged from their father for years. At one point, their father re-enters their lives and even offers the elder daughter a role in his new film, hoping to mend their strained relationship. But don't expect it to be easy.
The Secret Agent
Another participant of this year's Cannes Film Festival, which also won awards—Best Director and Best Actor—this historical crime thriller by Kleber Mendonça Filho takes viewers to 1970s Brazil. The country is under military dictatorship, and the protagonist, scientist Marcelo, accidentally discovers threatening plans by a corrupt minister to steal his research. Left with no choice, he must escape, but fleeing is far from simple, as hired killers are already on his trail.
When the Trees Fall
The domestic retrospective program this year explores the legacy of "Ukrainian poetic cinema" in independent Ukraine. One of the films that builds on a poetic style while adding elements of surrealism and sensual physicality is Marisia Nikitiuk's. After its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, it received several national film awards.
The story follows the forbidden love between Larisa, a recent school graduate eager to start her independent life, and a boy nicknamed Scar, connected to the criminal world. Will they overcome all obstacles and escape from their surroundings?
Pamfir
One of the most striking and original Ukrainian feature films in recent years, recognized with numerous national film awards, including 5 Kinokolo prizes, 11 Golden Dziga awards, and the Grand Prix at the Molodist Festival. Thanks to its Carpathian landscapes and national color, the film is often compared to Sergei Parajanov and Yurii Ilienko's "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors."
Director Dmytro Sukholytky-Sobchuk tells the tragic story of migrant worker Leonid, who returns to his native Bukovinian village for the winter holidays. His wife and son try to make him stay, but a careless mistake by a teenager sparks a fire in the church. To cover the damage, Leonid must confront his past as "Pamfir," when he was involved in smuggling.
U Are the Universe
Ukrainian film lovers will finally get the chance to see the long-awaited sci-fi romantic comedy by promising local director Pavlo Ostrikov, which has already become an international hit. The film has participated in and won awards at festivals in Toronto, Tallinn, Catalonia, and several other prestigious global events.
The story centers on space trucker Andrii, who transports toxic waste. During one trip, a catastrophic explosion occurs on Earth, leaving him seemingly the last living human. However, he soon discovers he is not alone, as a Frenchwoman named Catherine, who was also in space at that moment, makes contact with him.
