The 16th Odesa International Film Festival opened on September 24 with a gala ceremony at the Parkovy Convention and Exhibition Center. Ukrainian and international artists, film professionals, and audiences gathered at the venue. It is an honor for Parkovy to host the start of Ukraine’s largest arts event for the second year in a row.
The third floor was transformed into an expo area featuring elegant partner booths, including Jewelry Factory No. 1, L’Oréal, 1+1 Ukraine, and many others. The 2,000 m² space became an interactive oasis—with makeup stations, professional photo shoots, lively networking, and the chance to purchase exclusive “Duke” collectible coins.
The packed slate of premieres and special screenings was announced in the
Convention and Concert Hall. The evening was hosted by actor and TV presenter Dasha Tregubova, “Snidanok z 1+1” host on 1+1 Ukraine Lyudmyla Barbir, and STB’s “Vikna-Novyny” presenter Yana Brenzei.
OIFF President Viktoriya Tigipko underscored the role of Ukrainian cinema worldwide: “Ukrainian cinema today has become a voice of truth and resilience. Our victories at international festivals prove it is recognizable and needed by the world. This is cinema about resilience—the ability to stand firm and speak the truth when it is hard. Strength, creativity, inspiration, resilience—this is the foundation of our cultural DNA.”
The stage featured bandura player and sonic experimenter Ivan Tkalenko, who turned the traditional instrument into a modern sound laboratory by combining bandura with electronics and new acoustic effects. Singer Olha Tsybulska added to the unique atmosphere with a vibrant performance. The Head of the State Film Agency of Ukraine, Andriy Osipov, thanked the organizers and acknowledged the contribution of Ukrainian filmmakers.
Over 11 days, OIFF audiences watched 113 films—104 feature-length—across 18 programs. The competition strands are the National Documentary Competition and the European Competition, showcasing new voices and timely themes in contemporary cinema.
In the evening, guests moved to the
Parkovy terrace. The entire area worked for the occasion: string lights set a special mood, partner booths operated throughout, and everyone enjoyed breathtaking views of the capital.
OIFF is a space for dialogue and discovery, where Ukrainian and international filmmakers exchange experience and viewers explore projects shaping today’s cultural landscape.
Parkovy Team thanks the organizers for choosing our complex for such a large-scale and meaningful event.
Last year’s report on the 15th OIFF opening ceremony is below:
15th OIFF at Parkovy
The 16th Odesa International Film Festival is held with support from:
State Film Agency of Ukraine
European Union and the Creative Europe Programme Desk in Ukraine
Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Instytut Adama Mickiewicza)
Polish Institute in Kyiv
German Films, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Ukraine
Official Sponsor — ARARAT
Official Automotive Partner — BMW Ukraine
General Partner of the Film Industry Office — UPHub
Official Jewelry Partner — Carrera y Carrera
General Technology Partner — Hisense
Official Banking Partner — Bank Pivdennyi
Official Beauty Partner — L’Oréal Paris
Water Partner — Morshynska
Official Ceremony Partner — G×Bar (international beauty-space network)
Evening Gowns Partner — Rent A Brand
Film Industry Office Partner — Cinema Sound UA Production
General Media Partner — 1+1 media
General Information Partner — Starlight Media
Media Partners — ICTV2; 1+1 Ukraine; MEGOGO
Information Partner — Kyivstar TV
PR Partner — NAME PR
Fashion Media Partner — ELLE
Charity Partner — Children of Heroes Foundation
Partners — TA Ventures; ICLUB
Official Festival Venues:
Parkovy — a world-class event venue complex in the heart of Kyiv;
Zhovten Cinema;
Oscar Cinema;
House of the Architect.
