In our view, Svitlana Zinovieva is one of the key figures of Ukrainian cinema in the post-independence era.
She began her career as a cinematographer at the Odesa Film Studio (1977–1988), later working at Kyivnaukfilm (1988–1994). In 1993, she founded her own production company — Inspiration Films Company.
Her contribution to the development of the Ukrainian film industry still awaits proper recognition. One of the first to work in the field of international co-production, Svitlana has produced around 50 films, organized educational workshops, and co-curated the Close Up Documentary Film Club.
As part of the Women* in Film section, we present two special programs dedicated to Svitlana Zinovieva’s creative work. Each screening will be followed by a conversation with Svitlana about cinema, experience, and her professional journey.
🎤 Films are screened in their original language, with Ukrainian and English subtitles.
💬 The screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A session with Svitlana Zinovyeva.
❗ These films may contain potentially triggering or disturbing elements, such as the russian language.
🔞 Recommended Age: 12+
This program is supported by the Heinrich Boell Foundation, Kyiv Office - Ukraine.
Screening of the second part of retrospective — September 7, 19:55, KINO42
SPIVOCHA TOCHKA (1975)
Director: Ihor Minaiev
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 10
Spivocha Tochka is a short film dedicated to the conductor and the children’s choir Shchedryk, showing that being a children’s choir conductor is not just a job, but a calling and a destiny. Director Ihor Minaiev conveys through the film the unique talent and patience required to teach children to love music.
ON THE SWAMPS
Director: Maksym Surkov
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 24
A film observing the mode of life and everyday existence of the Polissia countrymen, whose survival depends on the cranberry crop in the marsh. Cranberries here are considered on a par with bread.
POSITIVE
Director: Polina Kelm
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 28
A story of women-editors working in a decrepit film studio in Kyiv, Ukraine. They still work with film and do not trust computers. They dream of working on real films again, while editing students’ works, watching old movies and caring for cats. Then they are invited to see a 3D movie.