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 will present two special programs dedicated to Svitlana Zinovieva’s creative work. Each screening will be followed by a live conversation with Svitlana — about cinema, experience, and her professional journey.
🎤 Films are screened in their original language, with Ukrainian and English subtitles.
💬 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.
SPIVOCHA TOCHKA (1975)
Director: Ihor Minaiev
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.
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.