Ukraine is actively seeking to attract international film productions by introducing cash rebates and establishing a culture fund. According to Andrii Osipov, the head of the Ukrainian State Film Agency, the country has successfully completed 50 homegrown film productions between December 2024 and the end of this year, despite the ongoing war that began with the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Osipov outlined these developments during the session titled “Filming in Ukraine 2026” at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. He emphasized that the number of completed films is significant for the Ukrainian film industry, with new titles premiering every one to two weeks. This momentum is crucial for allowing films to reach audiences both domestically and internationally.
“Even though this year there was no granting program from the Ukrainian State Film Agency, it is essential to have a robust grant program in place next year,” Osipov stated. He confirmed plans for a 50 million euros ($57.5 million) fund targeting movies, theater productions, and other cultural initiatives, a proposal put forth by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The specifics of this fund are expected to be announced soon, with around 70-90 percent allocated to Ukrainian producers and the remainder to international co-producers.
In addition to the culture fund, Osipov mentioned the anticipated launch of Ukraine’s first cash rebates program for international productions in the new year. The program aims to offer a 25 percent rebate on qualified expenses, with an extra 5 percent for productions meeting specific cultural criteria. “We want the Ukrainian film industry to develop and grow together with the whole world,” he said.
Despite these positive developments, challenges persist due to the war. Osipov noted that filming must be halted during air raids and that recent blackouts have disrupted production processes. “Without electricity, the production process pauses, significantly affecting post-production because there is no possibility to render files,” he explained. He also highlighted a shortage of professionals in the industry, exacerbated by mobilization efforts in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, there have been instances where individuals were mobilized directly from film sets,” he added.
During the same event, Oksana Chornobryvtseva, deputy head of the Association of Regional Film Commissions of Ukraine, reiterated the commitment of regional film commissions to support production processes throughout the country. “There are ten regional film commissions that continue their work across Ukraine,” she said. Chornobryvtseva emphasized that Ukraine remains open to assisting both local and foreign productions, even in challenging conditions.
She also cautioned that foreign productions should be prepared for potential delays due to the ongoing war. “Border crossings may take extra time because of passport control and security checks,” she noted, adding that damaged infrastructure could impact transportation schedules. A slide presented during her address noted that “geolocation services may be unavailable during alerts,” suggesting that production teams should plan their routes and coordinate offline.
Ukraine’s initiative to enhance its film industry reflects its commitment to cultural resilience and growth, even amid ongoing adversity. By fostering international collaboration and providing financial incentives, the country aims to revitalize its cinematic landscape while navigating the complexities brought on by the war.
