Ukrainian Cinema Conquers the World: Results of the 54th Kyiv International Film Festival ‘Molodist’
Kyiv hosted the eagerly awaited ‘Molodist’ Festival, which has long been recognized as one of the premier platforms for Ukrainian and international cinema.
On November 1, the winners of the 54th anniversary of the Kyiv International Film Festival ‘Molodist’ were announced.
The top prize, the Grand Prix, was awarded to Ukrainian director Yuriy Dunaі for his film ‘Tired,’ which profoundly moved audiences with its story about two veterans, Lyuba and Andriy, who struggle with post-war trauma and seek mutual understanding.
The film not only touched viewers’ hearts but also became a symbol of dialogue between civilians and military personnel, making a significant contribution to Ukraine’s cultural landscape.
The winner received the ‘Scythian Deer’ award and a cash prize of $5,000.
Dunaі shared that his main goal was to create an emotional bridge for understanding and empathy across societal divides.
The festival also featured contemporary ceramics at the ‘After the Show’ festival, where many visitors expressed their emotional reaction.
The director admitted to being particularly moved during the premiere, as his fellow recruits from his current service center were present in the audience.
He advised aspiring filmmakers: ‘Don’t be afraid or lazy, experience comes with time.’ Additionally, a special jury award was given to 10-year-old Roman Oleksiv, who survived severe burns after a missile strike in Vinnytsia in 2022, and has been fighting through tremendous hardship.
Festival director Andriy Khalpakhchi mentioned that around 35 international guests attended this year’s event, reaffirming ‘Molodist’ as a vital platform for Ukrainian and global filmmakers, even amidst wartime challenges.
Historically, the festival has launched the careers of notable figures such as Kira Muratova, Roman Balayan, Larisa Kadochnikova, Ruslana, and Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, along with acclaimed international directors like François Ozon, Tom Tykwer, and Gaspar Noé.
The 54th ‘Molodist’ was held from October 25 to November 2, 2025, and featured an international competition that recognized winners in student and special categories.
The full list of laureates is available on the festival’s official website.
Moreover, a Ukrainian film received a production grant from the Berlinale World Cinema Fund, highlighting Ukraine’s growing presence on the global cinematic stage.