Visual concept of OKO 2025

alexfannytv
Jun 12
4 min read

‘Bessarabia is coming to Kyiv!’

The OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival will be held for the sixth time in Ukraine and Bulgaria. For the first time in thefestival's history, the opening ceremony will take place in Kyiv.

This year’s concept explores the rich variety of folk masquerades in their traditions and expressions. In Ukraine, this tradition is represented by the Malanka ritual, while in Bulgaria and some regions of Ukraine, it is the Kukeri ritual. Inspired by these customs, OKO has chosen the mask as its main symbol, alongside the slogan ‘Look Beyond’ for this year's edition. This phrase speaks to both the shared depth of ancient ritual costume traditions and the profound messages hidden in authentic cinema.

These traditions reveal common themes of unity and ancient origins, struggle between old and new, darkness and light, evil and good. Their differences reflect the diversity of ethnographic features and the unique identity of each nation.

The visual concept of the sixth edition is based on documentary photographs of winter ritual costumes from Bulgaria, Bessarabia, and other regions of Ukraine.

To deepen the expert exploration of authenticity, OKO is partnering this year with Ukraїner — a sociocultural multimedia project that documents and promotes Ukrainian national traditions, including the rituals of the Vasyl and Malanka holidays.

Visuals of the Kukeri rituals were contributed by Ivan Shishiev, a renowned Bulgarian photographer and theologian whose work has been published in National Geographic, EUobserver, Vogue US, Le Monde, and other media outlets. OKO is proud to collaborate with Ivan.

In addition, this year's visual design of OKO features the work of Oleksandr Baron, a Ukrainian-Bulgarian documentary and ethnographic photographer and communications director for the OKO team. Oleksandr currently serves in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine.

The visual style of this year’s edition was developed by Liliia Topor — OKO’s longtime art director and the creative mind behind all of the festival’s visual concepts since its inception.

The sixth edition of the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival is supported by the European Union under the House of Europe programme.

Comments from the creators

Tetiana Stanieva, Director and Founder of the OKO Film Festival:

“My grandmother taught me to look through things, beyond the façade — to see a little more than what is shown to you. That is where the essence, the hidden truth, always lies. And it is often not so obvious. At the sixth edition of OKO, we’ll search for it together — in films, stories, our loved ones, in the beyond, and within ourselves.

This is our first time in the capital, and it's incredibly exciting. We want to create a little island of Bessarabia — a vibrant feast of colour and culture — so you can see, feel, and taste our Ukrainian South.

If your attention isn’t yet turned toward Bessarabia, then Bessarabia will come to the capital to win it! Save the dates and join us to watch the films — we offer a space where you can take off all your masks, be real, and feel like yourself. With us, seeking the truth is easy.”

Yurii Dimchoglo, Honorary President of the OKO Film Festival:

“Once, we dreamed of welcoming OKO’s international guests at Izmail Airport, which was supposed to open in 2025. But the war shattered those plans and halted many projects — yet it did not break the festival. Looking back, we realise what a long and difficult path we've travelled — without pause or rest, constantly adapting to new formats and forming a wide circle of friends, partners, and viewers in two countries: Ukraine and Bulgaria. The very existence of OKO is a man-made miracle and proves that anything is possible when there is a strong will and a response to the need for cultural products that transform the cultural landscape.

Because of the war, our region is geographically separated from the rest of Ukraine. That’s why this September, we will welcome you first in the capital — in Kyiv — and then in Bolhrad, in the Odesa region — the festival’s homeland. And after the war, we believe, we will meet you at Izmail Airport — to celebrate Victory together at the festival in Bolhrad.”

Viktor Kurtiev, President of the OKO Film Festival, Chairman of the Supervisory Board:

“I believe that culture is not an expense — it is an investment. It shapes a nation’s mindset and code, builds its identity, and nurtures patriotism. Culture is the only language that all nations understand — a powerful means of communication and a bridge between countries. This is where we must focus our resources if we want to build a meaningful strategy for the development of our country and its future.

For six years now, OKO has been fostering genuine intercultural dialogue and engaging in cultural diplomacy in Bulgaria — revealing the world’s most hidden corners and raising the most painful topics. In learning about others, we come to understand ourselves more deeply. As a representative of the Bessarabian Bulgarian community, I warmly invite you to our Ukrainian festival — with a Bulgarian accent — to experience the richness and diversity of our culture. It’s the best investment you can make in yourself.”

Festival Schedule:

September 5–10, 2025 — Opening and part of the film screenings in Kyiv.
September 12–14, 2025 — Final part of the Ukrainian program and award ceremony for winners in Bolhrad, Odesa region.
October 3–11, 2025 — Screening of the full program and award ceremony for winners of the international OKO GLOBAL program in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Details

The OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival is a cultural event founded in Ukraine in 2020. Dedicated to ethnographic, anthropological, and post-ethnographic cinema, it explores the traditions, lifestyles, roots, identities, historical memory, and contemporary challenges of different peoples. Until 2025, the festival took place in Bolhrad (Ukraine) and Sofia (Bulgaria). From now on, Kyiv will also be added to the festival’s locations.

Who are the Kukeri?

They are Bulgarian participants in traditional masquerade rituals held in winter or early spring. They wear bright costumes, masks, and bells to scare away evil spirits, drive away darkness, awaken the earth, and bring a good harvest.

What is Malanka?

Malanka is a Ukrainian celebration held on New Year’s Eve. Participants dress in masks and costumes, sing, and perform theatrical plays, wishing for prosperity and happiness in the new year.