In 2013, at the second edition of KISFF, we compiled a selection called UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL HITS. It was dedicated to Ukrainian films made from the declaration of independence until 2013, which were screened in Cannes, Berlin, Venice or other prestigious festivals. We managed to find five titles.
This program will be dedicated to those directors who have gone from a debut short film to a feature film during our festival's existence. Their short and feature films have also represented Ukraine at the most prestigious international film festivals, and the number of titles labelled as "Ukrainian Festival Hits" now has long exceeded a hundred.
Kidnapping
WITHOUT YOU | SENSIZ
Nariman Aliev
Ukraine | 2016, 15 min
A lone car drives across the vast expanses of the Ukrainian landscape. Two young men are travelling to celebrate their elder brother's birthday, but their plan is delayed when their car breaks down. The sun is going to set before long and there's little chance of finding help in this god-forsaken place. They eventually decide to travel the rest of the long journey on foot, to be with their brother.
THE SHOP OF SONGBIRDS
Anatoliy Lavrenishyn
Ukraine | 2018, 18 min
The seller of songbirds lives in a fantastic city. No one needs his goods. Once he rescues a magical bird. This event radically changes his life and puts him before the most important choice in life.
BETWEEN US
Kateryna Gornostai
Ukraine | 2013, 5 min
GRADUATION '97
Pavlo Ostrikov
Ukraine | 2018, 19 min
Roman lives a lonely life in a provincial city and works as a technician. For the first time since graduation, Liuda, his ex-classmate, comes back to town. Nobody has heard anything from her for twenty years, but Roman is set on not losing her again.