Following the recent discussion about the need of more Ukrainian programmers and curators at international film festivals, which formed part of the July 1 Institute of Documentary Film Industry Session titled ‘Decolonization of Old Ideological Constructs and Film Industry Practice,’ the Prague-based Institute has established a list of Ukrainian film curators and programmers working across documentaries, fiction, experimental films, shorts and animation.
The list is published in response to a call for Ukrainian programmers to be part of the decision-making processes when it comes to how their country, their culture and their current plight is (re)presented at international festivals. The Institute of Documentary Film encourages international festival personnel to consult this list as they determine their future programme choices on the subject of Ukraine (and other topics).
In an August 5 Facebook post, panel moderator Dîna Iordanova wrote: “One of the questions most frequently asked these days has been ‘WHO CAN SPEAK?’ In recent discussions it was noted that Ukrainian festival programmers are once again left out, often by the bigger festivals who prefer to work with their existing curators – thus, once again someone else is making decisions on how they [Ukrainians] are to be represented. They feel there isn’t much chance for them to ‘speak’ for themselves. You can correct this by reaching out and giving an opportunity to those on the list.”
Victoria Leshchenko, Docudays UA Program Director and one of the organisers of the Ukrainian programmer/curator list added:
“We appreciate so much that the Institute of Documentary Film and Dîna Iordanova inspired us with an idea of the publication [of the list]. In times of colonial war in our country the Ukrainian film community is working with senses that feel extremely fragile. It’s very easy to become invisible sitting in your own shelter, whether you’re in Ukraine or abroad. You will say how is it possible – the whole world is about Ukraine and it’s full of Ukrainian festivals and screenings all over the world. I will answer that our community of Ukrainian curators and programmers is working like crazy because of this very reason.
“We have a unique (like never before) chance to become visible [but]] we are still pushed by the fear of being invisible. It’s quite possible this wave of interest in Ukrainian culture will become lower. What we need from the international professional community, influential platforms and festivals, is a strong and consistent collaboration, interaction, long run projects and co-operations. So this all [won’t] be a one-time thing but a strategic movement which will help to do an extremely important decolonising job.”
