From Kyiv to Amman: Ukrainian film days return

The Ukrainian Film Days 2nd Edition
The Ukrainian Film Days 2nd Edition. (Photo: Twitter/X)
The Ukrainian Film Days are back for their 2nd Edition, promising a cinematic extravaganza that explores the rich tapestry of Ukrainian cinema. Taking place from Monday, September 25, to Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 8p.m., this event will be held at The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, specifically at the captivating Outdoor Amphitheater in the First Circle of Jabal Amman. The best part? Entry is absolutely free!اضافة اعلان

A cinematic journey through Ukrainian cinema
Ukrainian cinema has a long and storied history that spans over a century. It has been shaped by various historical and cultural influences, resulting in a unique blend of storytelling. Ukrainian films often delve into social, economic, and historical realities, offering viewers an allegorical look at the country's destiny.

This event will feature a curated selection of Ukrainian films that provide an insight into the country's cinematic heritage. Expect to be captivated by a diverse range of genres and themes that showcase the creativity and talent of Ukrainian filmmakers.

The Ukrainian Film Days 2nd Edition is a collaborative effort organized by The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, in partnership with the Ukrainian Embassy in Jordan, The Kyiv Cultural Cluster, and the Dovzhenko Center. This collaboration underscores the importance of cultural exchange and highlights the significance of cinema as a medium for fostering international understanding

A brief history of Ukrainian cinema
Ukrainian cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the late 19th century. The first Ukrainian film was made in 1896, and by the early 20th century, Ukraine had a thriving film industry.

One of the most important figures in early Ukrainian cinema was Alexander Dovzhenko. Dovzhenko was a pioneer of Soviet cinema, and his films such as Earth (1930) and Ivan* (1932) are considered classics.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Ukrainian cinema experienced a golden age. During this time, Ukrainian filmmakers produced a number of critically acclaimed films, including The Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) by Sergei Parajanov and The Stone Cross (1968) by Leonid Osyka.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukrainian cinema entered a period of decline. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Ukrainian cinema. Films such as The Tribe (2014) by Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi and Donbass (2018) by Sergei Loznitsa have won critical acclaim at international film festivals.


Pamfir by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk
Pamfir is a 2022 Ukrainian drama film directed by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk. The film is set in the Bukovina region of western Ukraine, and tells the story of a man named Pamfir (Oleksandr Yatsentyuk) who is forced to return to his old life as a smuggler after his son is injured in a fire.

The film is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful exploration of themes such as family, loyalty, and the dark side of human nature. Yatsentyuk gives a towering performance as Pamfir, a man who is both capable of great violence and great love.

Pamfir is not an easy film to watch, but it is a rewarding one.
The cinematography is stunning. The film captures the beauty and wildness of the Bukovina region in a way that is both breathtaking and haunting.

The performances are strong, particularly from Oleksandr Yatsentyuk as Pamfir. Yatsentyuk gives a nuanced and believable performance as a man who is both capable of great violence and great love.

The film is well-paced and well-structured. It takes its time to develop its characters and to explore its themes, but it never feels slow or boring.

The film is both visually and emotionally powerful. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

However, I would like to caution viewers that the film contains graphic violence and sexual content


Alim by Georgii Tasin
Alim is a 1926 Ukrainian silent film directed by Georgii Tasin. The film is based on a Crimean Tatar legend, and tells the story of a Robin Hood-like figure who fights against the rich and powerful.

The film is a visually stunning and exciting adventure story. Tasin's direction is assured, and the film features some impressive action sequences. The cast is also excellent, with Ivan Savchenko giving a particularly memorable performance as Alim.

Alim is an important film in the history of Ukrainian cinema. It is one of the first Ukrainian films to be shot on location, and it features some of the earliest examples of Ukrainian filmmaking techniques. The film is also significant for its positive portrayal of the Crimean Tatars, a minority group that has been persecuted throughout history.

The cinematography is stunning. Tasin uses a variety of camera angles and techniques to create a visually engaging and exciting film.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting.

The cast is excellent, with Ivan Savchenko giving a particularly memorable performance as Alim.

The film is an important historical document, and it provides a valuable glimpse into Ukrainian culture in the early 20th century.

The film is in black and white and has no sound.


Foxter and Max
Foxter and Max is a 2019 Ukrainian science fiction action film directed by Anatoliy Mateshko and Tania Khodakivska. The film tells the story of a young boy named Max (Maksym Samchyk) who discovers a stray dog that has been transformed into a cybernetic super-soldier. Max and the dog, which he names Foxter, must team up to stop a mad scientist from using Foxter's technology to create an army of cybernetic soldiers.

The film is a visually stunning and exciting adventure story. Mateshko and Khodakivska's direction is assured, and the film features some impressive action sequences. The cast is also excellent, with Maksym Samchyk and the dog actor who plays Foxter giving particularly memorable performances.

Foxter and Max is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to please audiences of all ages. It is a film that is both visually and emotionally engaging, and it features a heartwarming story about the friendship between a boy and his dog.

The cinematography is stunning. The film captures the beauty of the Ukrainian countryside in a way that is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting while the cast is excellent, with Maksym Samchyk and the dog actor who plays Foxter giving particularly memorable performances.

The film features a heartwarming story about the friendship between a boy and his dog.


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