The 6th edition of the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival opens in Kyiv with a Bessarabian reception and a world premiere

On September 5 at 18:00, the 6th OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival (OKO IEFF) will launch at ArtPrichal in Kyiv. For the first time in its history, the official opening ceremony will take place in Ukraine’s capital. The evening promises authentic Bessarabian delicacies, traditional performances, striking art projects, and the world premiere of a documentary film.

The festival ambassador will be Bolhrad-born actress Anastasiia Tsymbalaru. The host of the evening will be singer and showman of Bulgarian descent from Moldova, Ivan Liulienov. The opening spotlight will shine on From Bloom to Flame — a deeply personal project by film director and festival general director Tetiana Stanieva, which delves into the traditions of Ukrainian Bessarabia and the way they are transformed by war.

“One of the reasons I created the OKO Film Festival — and its central mission — is to draw the attention of Ukraine and the world to my region. TThat is why we chose Bolhrad, and that is why such a strong focus on Bessarabia.

Our goal is not only to raise awareness and showcase the region’s tourist and investment potential, but also to encourage folklorists to study the traditions and cultural heritage of ethnic minorities, most prominently represented here, in our multicultural Odesa region. At the same time, we want to inspire filmmakers to turn their cameras toward the themes and landscapes of the South.

That is why we are bringing a Bessarabian embassy to the capital. And to complete the picture, we decided to bring it to the screen. This is why the opening film is about my native village, Krynychne — From Bloom to Flame — which tells of a Bulgarian tradition in Ukraine that the war is slowly destroying.

Through this nearly six-year chronicle of our community, which reflects both the impact of war on preserving identity and the inevitability of change, I want for the first time to raise the issue of protecting Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage in wartime. It is invisible, dying quietly and almost unnoticed. I am very anxious about whether viewers will grasp all the images and messages I have embedded, but at the same time I deeply hope you will fall in love with this land as I do,” says Tetiana.

The visual program will feature works by photographer Ivan Shyshiiev, the Ukraїner project, and artworks by Sylvia Atipova and Lesia Babliak, as well as the mural Filmstrip of Life, created by the Feldman sisters. The evening will be brought to life with Malanka and Kukeri performances, and will conclude with a festive concert headlined by the Ukrainian band LUIKU and energetic folk dancing.

Festival president and chair of the OKO supervisory board Viktor Kurtiev emphasizes:

“Hospitality and generosity are the defining traits of my Bessarabia. That is why everyone who has visited, even once, carries with them the warmth and kindness of our land for a lifetime.

Bessarabia is coming to the capital for OKO’s opening so you can experience this hospitality and the richness of our culture and flavors.

See you at ArtPrichal. Welcome!”

Evening Schedule

18:00 — Welcome Drink & Bessarabian Appetizers

• Informal welcome with a glass of traditional Bessarabian wine and authentic snacks brought from Bessarabia.

• Registration, accreditation, and gift distribution.

• Presentation of the mural Filmstrip of Life by the Feldman sisters — an artistic symbol of OKO’s journey, created specially for the opening.

• Live instrumental performance by a Bessarabian folk band right on the pier.

18:30 — Ritual Performances: Malanka & Kukeri

• A spectacular show featuring traditional Bulgarian and Ukrainian characters.

• Symbolic festival opening by ritual figures and photo opportunities with guests.

19:00 — Official Ceremony (indoors)

• Greetings from honored guests, sponsors, and representatives of Ukraine’s and Bulgaria’s cultural and civic communities.

19:30 — Opening Film

• World premiere of the documentary From Bloom to Flame, directed by Tetiana Stanieva (2025).

21:00 — Concert & Folk Dances

• Festive dinner with traditional Bulgarian dishes such as kavarma, brynza, karnaki, and other delicacies, served with Bessarabian wine.

• Bulgarian horo — a symbolic dance of unity, with Bulgarians teaching Ukrainians the traditional steps.

• Folk music, performances by bands, and the evening’s headliner, the Ukrainian band LUIKU.

This year, OKO will screen 90 films from 52 countries. Screenings will take place in Kyiv (September 5–10), Odesa (September 8–14), Bolhrad (September 12–14), and Sofia (October 3–11).

The 6th OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival is supported by the European Union under the House of Europe program, as well as by a number of partners and sponsors, including: Viktor Kurtev (Festival President and Chair of the OKO Supervisory Board); the Orlivka–Isaccea ferry crossing; Yurii Dimchoglo (Honorary President of the OKO); the Odesa Regional State Military Administration; MEGOGO; Villa Tinta; Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ukraine; State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS); Power Film Production; Bolhrad City Council; Bulgarian National Film Center; Neterra; NGO Creativity and Culture Zone — K2 ZONE.

We also thank our information partners for their support: Ukraїner, Suspilne, ICTV2, and Ukrainian State Film Agency.