The Wiz-Art Film Festival is held in late July or early August. It was started by art formation Wiz-Art founded in 2008. The first edition of Wiz-Art was held on November 20–22, 2008. It screened 50 films, including 10 works by emerging Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival strives to introduce the latest short films from around the world to Ukrainian audiences. It screens over 100 films every year and presents a number of awards to the best ones.
Wiz-Art holds a short film competition open to filmmakers from all countries. The competition has two main sections, International Competition and National Competition. The participating films are eligible for several awards. They are the Grand Prix, Best Cinematography, Best Script, Best Director, Best Ukrainian Film, Special Mention, and Audience Award.
The winners are selected by a jury consisting of renowned filmmakers and film critics from different countries. As a rule, the jury includes at least one representative of the Ukrainian film industry and several foreign guests. Over the years, the jury has featured filmmakers and film critics from the UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Sweden, Poland, Norway, Austria, and other countries.
Alongside the film competition, Wiz-Art features non-competition screenings, Q&As with visiting filmmakers, performances, parties and receptions, discussions and round tables, presentations, pitching sessions, and other events and activities. The four-day festival is a major cultural and educational platform that brings together Ukrainian and international filmmakers and introduces them to Ukrainian cinema-goers.
Photo: WIZ-ART
