National documentary competition of the 16th OIFF: Ukrainian documentaries about war, resilience and humanity in the spotlight of the jury and audience

Within the framework of the 16th Odesa International Film Festival, which will take place from September 24th to October 4th in Kyiv, viewers and a professional jury will get acquainted with the most modern Ukrainian documentaries. This year's national documentary competition includes works from recent years that reflect the life of Ukraine in all its dimensions - from military trials to cultural and social stories, from personal dramas to heroism and resilience.

The participants of the competition will compete for the main award - the Golden Duke statuette for the best Ukrainian documentary film, and the jury will have the opportunity to award two more special distinctions. The Grand Prix of the festival - the audience award - is also returning, so from now on the audience will be able to choose the best film among the participants of both the national documentary and European competitions.

The national documentary competition of the 16th Odesa International Film Festival includes the following works:

“Music of Being” (Hennadiy Chernomashintsev, 2024)

An old cultural center in a small Ukrainian town becomes the center of life for the Tetiev brass band. Under the leadership of Vasyl Antonovych, the musicians prepare for an exam before the commission of the Ministry of Culture, because the existence of their collective is under threat.

The film opens the viewer to the inner world of musicians, their dreams and everyday life, showing that music here is not a profession, but a way of life, the meaning of life and a source of joy that can unite generations and inspire even in the most difficult times.

“Be Careful: Children” (Svitlana Rudyuk, 2024)

A kaleidoscope of children's stories during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Children try to understand and master the traumas that remain in their conscious and subconscious, through talking, memories and experiencing everyday moments.

This is a documentary story that deeply explores how the younger generation shapes its “now” and “future” under the burden of extraordinary circumstances.

“Daddy’s Lullaby” (Lesya Dyak, 2024)

The film tells the story of Serhiy, a veteran who, after experiencing tragedies and losses at the front, tries to reconnect with his family. His wife Nadiya and three sons: Sasha, Artem and Nikita, have become a source of joy for him, but at the same time a reminder of the responsibility and losses he has experienced. The war left invisible wounds that are reflected in the daily interactions and silent distances between family members.

However, the film takes an unexpected turn: the camera, which usually follows Serhiy, slowly turns to the director, opening a new perspective. This shift in perspective creates a unique space for an open dialogue about love, loss, and human relationships, highlighting how war affects not only those on the front lines, but also those at home.

“Interception Game” (Volodymyr Mula, 2025)

The true story of the Mykhailenko brothers: Serhiy, commander of a mobile air defense fire group, and Mykola, a player on the Ukrainian Olympic football team.

While one brother risks his life on the front lines, the second represents the country on the world sports arena. The film explores the deep connection between two brothers fighting for their country in completely different, but interconnected worlds.

“Divia” (Dmytro Hreshko, 2025)

A meditative journey through Ukrainian soil before and during a full-scale invasion. The observational film shows the catastrophic impact of war on nature and ecology, the work of ecologists, sappers, and animal rights activists.

“Divia” is the personification of nature, life and renewal, contrasted with the destructive power of war and death.

“A Simple Soldier” (Artem Ryzhikov, Juan Camilo Cruz, 2025)

Director Artem Ryzhikov joins the Territorial Defense after the start of a full-scale invasion. Under the call sign “Canon”, he takes a camera with him to document the war from the inside.

The film shows how war changes personal life and forces one to take on incredible responsibility.

“Special Operation” (Alexei Radinsky, 2025)

A documentary reconstruction of the occupation of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant based on video recordings from surveillance cameras. The film is evidence of the criminal actions of Russian troops in the zone of one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

“Shards of Light” (Mila Teshaeva, Markus Lenz, 2025)

Three years after the liberation of the occupied territories, the residents of Bucha, Irpin, and Borodyanka are trying to rebuild not only their cities, but also their own lives. The film follows five heroes of different ages and social status: each of them bears the burden of losses and traumas experienced during the occupation and hostilities, but clings to hope and solidarity. But how to rebuild life when the war is still ongoing and the wounds are only deepening? Over time, when dreams of a peaceful life fade, new, difficult challenges arise before them.

Through the personal stories of the heroes, the film makes us think about how the reconstruction of physical space is intertwined with the restoration of the psychological state, and how the search for justice becomes a support for preserving hope and humanity in a world destroyed by war.

This year’s National Documentary Competition of the Odesa International Film Festival brings together diverse voices and approaches to documentary filmmaking, showcasing how Ukrainian filmmakers experience, live, and transform reality in their work. Each film is a unique story of struggle, memory, resilience, and artistic reflection of contemporary Ukraine.

The Odesa International Film Festival is supported by:

Ukrainian State Film Agency

The European Union and Creative Europe Desk Ukraine

Adam Mickiewicz Institute “Instytut Adama Mickiewicza”

Polish Institute in Kyiv

German Films

Official Sponsor – ARARAT

Official Automotive Partner – BMW Ukraine

General Partner of Film Industry Office – UPHub

Official jewelry partner - Carrera Y Carrera

General Technological Partner -Hisense

Official partner bank – Pivdenny