The 16th OIFF presents the “Gala Premieres” program showcasing major Ukrainian and international works that shape contemporary cinema

The 16th Odesa International Film Festival traditionally brings together the brightest film projects from around the world, and this year the “Gala Premieres” program attracts special attention. It is here that viewers can discover large-scale works by famous directors and get acquainted with new names that determine the tone of modern cinema.

The program presents films that combine documentary testimonies with artistic images, address both acute topics of today and universal stories about people, their choices and time. From stories about Ukrainian soldiers and the fate of children in the war to intimate family dramas and philosophical reflections, the Gala Premieres program offers a wide range of genres and topics that resonate with different audiences.

Dovzhenko. The Great Compromise, 2024, Ukraine, dir. Ihor Ivanko

"Dovzhenko: Full of Compromise" is an in-depth documentary portrait of one of the greatest film directors of the 20th century, Oleksandr Dovzhenko. The film follows his tumultuous journey, from his early days in cinema to creating iconic films that defined Ukrainian poetic cinema, while navigating the challenges of artistic integrity and political pressures in the Soviet era.

Second Wind, 2025, Ukraine, dir. Maria Kondakova

The documentary tells the story of five Ukrainian soldiers, four of whom are amputees. Having lost body parts, but not their strength of spirit, they set out to conquer Kilimanjaro to prove that life with prostheses can be full of adventure and meaning. The film shows not only the physical path to the top, but also the inner rebirth of the heroes - from pain and doubts to finding new landmarks in life.

The EUkrainian (The EUkrainian), 2025, Sweden, France, Ukraine, Belgium, dir. Viktor Nordensjøld

The film follows the work of Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, who leads difficult negotiations on the country's accession to the EU and NATO during the war. It is a story about personal commitment to politics, the fight against corruption and international bureaucracy, and the search for a balance between domestic resistance and global diplomacy, while Ukraine fights for its place in the European future.

My Magical World (Mənim medigyi dünyam), 2025, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Cyprus, dir. Elvin Adigozel

Two friends and members of a music band find themselves faced with a choice between their own ambitions and friendship. One strives for fame, the other remains true to his childhood dreams. Their life paths diverge, and the story gradually reveals that success comes at a high price.

The film debuted at the goEast festival in Wiesbaden.

Heldin, 2025, Switzerland, Germany, dir. Petra Volpe

Nurse Floria works in a surgical ward, where she has to balance caring for patients with the exhausting rhythm of the hospital. One night, when she takes over the shift without enough colleagues, reality turns into a test: seriously ill patients, emotional stress and the constant pursuit of time force her to prove her resilience again and again.

The film had its world premiere at the Berlinale, and the film was also Switzerland's Oscar nominee.

The Crossing of Times (La venue de l'avenir), 2025, France, Belgium, dir. Cédric Klapisch

Distant relatives inherit an old house and are forced to take inventory together. The search leads them to the unexpected finds and an intersection with the past - with the life of Adele, who left this house in 1895 for Paris and a new era that opened up the world of industrial and cultural revolutions. The past and the present intertwine, creating a story about heritage, time and family ties.

The film was selected for the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival.

Mr. or Missing (Classe moyenne), 2025, France, Belgium, dir. Antoni Cordier

Mehdi planned to spend a quiet summer at the country house of his girlfriend's relatives. But instead of resting, he finds himself embroiled in a conflict between a wealthy family and the villa's cleaners. Relying on his humble origins, he tries to mediate. But the situation quickly spirals out of control.

The film was presented in the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.

Children in Fire, 2025, Ukraine, USA, Czech Republic, dir. Yevhen Afineevsky

The documentary captures crimes against Ukrainian children during a full-scale war. Abductions, deportations, attempts at assimilation are a terrible reality where they survive. Despite their experiences, eight young heroes continue to believe in their own future: they become athletes, artists, and civil servants. Their stories, told through live-action and animation, become a symbol of resilience and hope for a world without violence.

The film was shown at the Monte Carlo, Raindance and Documentaries Without Borders festivals.

Alpha, 2025, France, Belgium, dir. Julia Ducornot

Thirteen-year-old Alpha returns home with a tattoo. Her mother is a doctor, she understands that the girl could have contracted an unknown disease that turns people into marble statues. The family finds herself facing fear, uncertainty and danger, while at the same time being forced to uncover the secrets of her own family in order to find a way to survive.

The film participated in the competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Artist, 2025, Ukraine, dir. Oleksiy Taranenko, Dmytro Tarasov

In 2024, the legendary investigator Major Skoruk, who was considered dead in the battles for Gostomel, is found alive. He does not remember anything after the moment he signed up as a volunteer. Suddenly, Skoruk begins to paint pictures with crimes that have not even happened yet. His art becomes a prophetic key to the fight against evil.

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 CarreraGeneral Technological Partner -Hisense

Official partner bank – Pivdenny

Official beauty partner - L'Oréal ParisPartner Film Industry Office - Cinema Sound UA Production