President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated film industry representatives – artists and students, future filmmakers – on Ukrainian Cinema Day, presented them with state awards, and conferred honorary titles.
The Head of State emphasized that, with the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian cinema has gained special significance, and millions of viewers have discovered films made many years ago. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contemporary Ukrainian films, despite the war, continue to be released and are in demand among audiences.
“What is important is not out of solidarity, just because we should support our people, but because these films are genuinely engaging for our people and provide the very emotions we need today. Both laughter and tears, and most importantly – hope. And this is so important now, in these difficult, challenging times – in times of war. In my view, the greatest triumph of Ukrainian cinema is that it exists, it lives, and inspires,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian cinematography has all the potential to produce high-quality content at a global level. Despite the challenges of war, the state is ready to offer support programs for the creative industries, including Ukrainian cinema.
“A part of our information-space security depends on the quality and quantity of our Ukrainian content. To replace all the Russian productions that have been flooding various media for years, we need a large volume of high-quality Ukrainian content. We are ready to support the relevant program,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President stressed that many Ukrainian actors, directors, cinematographers, and other film industry representatives are defending Ukraine on the frontlines. Sadly, more than twenty of them have been killed. The memory of the fallen was honored with a moment of silence.
The Head of State also awarded film industry representatives with the Orders of Merit, III class, of Princess Olga, III class, and conferred honorary titles including “People’s Artist of Ukraine,” “Merited Artist of Ukraine,” “Merited Figure of Arts of Ukraine,” and “Merited Culture Worker of Ukraine.”
Additionally, the President presented the 2025 Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine to director and screenwriter Zhanna Ozirna, actress Iryna Nirsha, and actor Roman Lutskyi for making the full-length feature film Honeymoon.
Also, on the occasion of Ukrainian Cinema Day, the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Center was granted national status. The day before, the Head of State signed the corresponding decree. The National Oleksandr Dovzhenko Center is Ukraine’s largest film archive, housing over 7,000 feature, documentary, and animated Ukrainian and foreign films, as well as thousands of archival documents on the history of Ukrainian cinema.
