Women and the World: Ukrainians put London on the map for female cinema
Photo: The "Women and the World" film festival is coming to the UK (photo: instagram.com/talentedu_uk)
From November 6 to 12, the International Film Festival "Women and the World" (IFFWW) will, for the second time, turn London into a global cultural stage dedicated to women's voices in art and security. This unique cultural initiative, founded by Ukrainian women, demonstrates that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women's stories. The festival has already earned international recognition while continuing its mission to highlight the role of women in global peacebuilding processes.
From the Oscars to The Crown: Star-studded jury
This year's jury lineup confirms the festival's high status in the film industry. Some of the world's most influential creatives will be evaluating the films.
Among them is Oscar and BAFTA winner, screenwriter Peter Straughan (The Conclave), who will chair the jury for feature and short films. His expertise guarantees the highest level of evaluation for the contestants.
Also judging the films are well-known British actors Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen, The Crown) and Tamara Lawrence (Silent Twins, Time). Their perspective on acting and storytelling will be decisive for many entries.
A particular point of pride is Ukrainian director and producer Kseniia Buhrimova (The Bachelor, Wish List, Kyiv Day & Night, Grain), co-founder of IFFWW. She will serve on the documentary jury, bringing a unique Ukrainian perspective to the evaluations.
The team is further strengthened by renowned specialists, including Danish Academy nominee Diem Camille (Alien: Earth, The Wheel of Time), American director and producer Marcia Kimpton, British actress Victoria Emslie (Downton Abbey, 12 Monkeys), and documentary curator Elizabeth McIntyre. This lineup reflects the festival's deep understanding of the contemporary film industry.
"Strategies for Peace": Cinema as a tool for security
The theme of this year's festival is "Strategies for Peace: Women as Security Agents." It is a powerful message during global crises and reflects the festival's core mission: to amplify women's voices in peacebuilding processes.
Co-founder Kseniia Buhrimova emphasizes that "IFFWW's goal is to bring women's voices into peace processes, where they are critically underrepresented."
"We sincerely believe this can change the course of events. This philosophy shapes the entire program," she says.
Her co-founder, Mariia Vynohradova, adds that Ukrainian women who have lived through war carry this experience into the world. However, the festival goes beyond Ukraine, highlighting this issue globally.
Through film, dialogue, and creativity, the festival aims to create a space for discussion and new solutions.
2025 program: premieres, discussions, and awards
Following a successful debut in 2024, when the festival's Grand Prix went to the film "Porcelain War" (later Oscar-nominated), this year’s program will be even larger and more diverse.
Attendees can expect British premieres of feature, documentary, and short films, showcasing works that may soon compete for the world’s top awards.
The main events will include panel discussions and roundtables with activists, artists, and change-makers. This format combines art with social impact, turning the audience’s experience into active participation.
A key moment will be the presentation of the Woman of World Impact Award. This honor highlights women’s contributions to global processes that affect peace and security worldwide.
International support and pride for Ukraine
The "Women and the World" festival enjoys strong support at the highest diplomatic and institutional levels, including the Embassies of Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Estonia, the Goethe-Institut, London Film, and the City of London.
This support underscores that a Ukrainian cultural initiative has become a significant part of the global cultural calendar.
The IFFWW is organized by Talented U Limited, a cultural platform and production team founded by Ukrainian producers in London in 2022.
Talented U brings together filmmakers from over 12 countries, presenting Ukrainian stories to British and international audiences, making the festival an important tool of Ukraine's cultural diplomacy.
Earlier, we wrote about 5 Kyiv Critics' Week films you must see.
